
.ho ins a M. Alcott 

"Author oF Little Women” 





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A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES 


AND 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK 


LOUISA M. ALCOTT’S NOVELS. 


HOSPITAL SKETCHES. 

MOODS. 

WORK, a Story of Experience. 

A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES, and A WHIS- 
PER IN THE DARK. 

4vols. i6mo. $1.50 each. 


LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY, 

BOSTON. 


A 


Modern Mephistopheles 


AND 

A Whisper in the Dark 


By LOUISA M/ALCOTT 

t • 

Author or “ Moods ; ” “ Work, a Story of Experience ; ” 
“Little Women,” etc. 



BOSTON 

LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY 
1902 


tkf. library of 

CONGRtSS. 

Two Copies Received 

MAR 17 1905 

dopyricht Entry 

71{qa .r).f9of 

OilAm CL XXc. Mai 
/// && V 

«erf a» 



Copyright , JS77, 

By Roberts Brothers 


©ttibersttg p«ss 

John Wilson and Son, Cambridge 


“The Indescribable , 

Here it is done: 

The Woman-Soul leadeth us 
Upward and on l ” 


Second Part of Faust. 





V 

























































i ; A 







































A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


I. 

"XTriTHOUT, a midwinter twilight, where 

* * wandering snowflakes eddied in the bit- 
ter wind between a leaden sky and frost-bound 
earth. 

Within, a garret ; gloomy, bare, and cold as the 
bleak night coming down. 

A haggard youth knelt before a little furnace, 
kindling a fire, with an expression of quiet des- 
peration on his face, which made the simple 
operation strange and solemn. 

A pile of manuscript lay beside him, and in 
the hollow eyes that watched the white leaves 
burn was a tragic shadow, terrible to see, — for he 
was offering the first-born of heart and brain as 
sacrifice to a hard fate. 

Slowly the charcoal caught and kindled, while 
a light smoke filled the room. Slowly the 
youth staggered up, and, gathering the torn 


8 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


sheets, thrust them into his bosom, muttering 
bitterly, “ Of all my hopes and dreams, my weary 
work and patient waiting, nothing is left but this. 
Poor little book, we’ll go together, and leave no 
trace behind.” 

Throwing himself into a chair, he laid his head 
down upon the table, where no food had been for 
days, and, closing his eyes, waited in stern silence 
for death to come and take him. 

Nothing broke the stillness but the soft crackle 
of the fire, which began to flicker with blue 
tongues of flame, and cast a lurid glow upon the 
motionless figure with its hidden face. Deeper 
grew the wintry gloom without, ruddier shone 
the fateful gleam within, and heavy breaths be- 
gan to heave the breast so tired of life. 

Suddenly a step sounded on the stair, a hand 
knocked at the door, and when no answer came, 
a voice cried, “ Open ! ” in a commanding tone, 
which won instant obedience, and dispelled the 
deathful trance fast benumbing every sense. 

“ The devil!” ejaculated the same imperious 
voice, as the door swung open, letting a cloud of 
noxious vapor rush out to greet the new-comer, — 
a man standing tall and dark against the outer 
gloom. 

“ Who is it ? Oh ! come in ! ” gasped the youth, 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


9 


falling back faint and dizzy, as the fresh air 
smote him in the face. 

“ I cannot, till you make it safe for me to en- 
ter. I beg pardon if I interrupt your suicide ; I 
came to help you live, but if you prefer the other 
thing, say so, and I will take myself away again,” 
said the stranger, pausing on the threshold, as 
his quick eye took in the meaning of the scene 
before him. 

“For God’s sake, stay!” and, rushing to the 
window, the youth broke it with a blow, caught 
up the furnace, and set it out upon the snowy 
roof, where it hissed and glowed like an evil 
thing, while he dragged forth his one chair, and 
waited, trembling, for his unknown guest to enter. 

“ For my own sake, rather : I want excitement ; 
and this looks as if I might find it here,” mut- 
tered the man with a short laugh, as he watched 
the boy, calmly curious, till a gust of fresh air 
swept through the room, making him shiver with 
its sharp breath. 

“Jasper Helwyze, at your service,” he added 
aloud, stepping in, and accepting courteously the 
only hospitality his poor young host could offer. 

The dim light and shrouding cloak showed 
nothing but a pale, keen face, with dark pene- 
trating eyes, and a thin hand, holding a paper on 

i* 


IO A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


which the youth recognized the familiar words, 
“ Felix Canaris.” 

“My name! You came to help me ? What 
good angel sent you, sir ? ” he exclaimed, with a 
thrill of hope, — for in the voice, the eye, the 
hand that held the card with such tenacious 
touch, he saw and felt the influence of a stronger 
nature, and involuntarily believed in and clung 
to it. 

“ Your bad angel, you might say, since it was 
the man who damned your book and refused the 
aid you asked of him,” returned the stranger, in 
a suave tone, which contrasted curiously with the 
vigor of his language. “ A mere chance led me 
there to-day, and my eye fell upon a letter lying 
open before him. The peculiar hand attracted 
me, and Forsythe, being in the midst of your 
farewell denunciation, read it out, and told your 
story.” 

“ And you were laughing at my misery while 
I was making ready to end it ? ” said the youth, 
with a scornful quiver of the sensitive lips that 
uttered the reproach. 

“We all laugh at such passionate folly when 
we have outlived it. You will, a year hence; so 
bear no malice, but tell me briefly if you can 
forget poetry, and be content with prose for a 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


II 


time. In plain words, can you work instead of 
dream ? ” 

“ I can” 

“ Good ! then come to me for a month. I have 
been long from home, and my library is neglected ; 
I have much for you to do, and believe you are 
the person I want, if Forsythe tells the truth. 
He says your father was a Greek, your mother 
English, both dead, and you an accomplished, 
ambitious young man who thinks himself a 
genius, and will not forgive the world for doubt- 
ing what he has failed to prove. Am I right ? ” 
“ Quite right. Add also that I am friendless, 
penniless, and hopeless at nineteen.” 

A brief, pathetic story, more eloquently told by 
the starvation written on the pinched face, the 
squalor of the scanty garments, and the despair 
in the desperate eye, than by the words uttered 
with almost defiant bluntness. 

The stranger read the little tragedy at a 
glance, and found the chief actor to his taste; 
for despite his hard case he possessed beauty, 
youth, and the high aspirations that die hard, — 
three gifts often peculiarly attractive to those 
who have lost them all. 

“ Wait a month, and you may find that you 
have earned friends, money, and the right to 


12 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


hope again. At nineteen, one should have 
courage to face the world, and master it.” 

“ Show me how, and I will have courage. A 
word of sympathy has already made it possible 
to live ! ” and, seizing the hand that offered help, 
Canaris kissed it with the impulsive grace and 
ardor of his father’s race. 

“ When can you come to me ? ” briefly deman- 
ded Helwyze, gathering his cloak about him as 
he rose, warned by the waning light. 

“At once, to-night, if you will! I possess 
nothing in the world but the poor clothes that 
were to have been my shroud, and the relics of 
the book with which I kindled my last fire,” 
answered the youth, with eager eyes, and an 
involuntary shiver as the bitter wind blew in 
from the broken window. 

“ Come, then, else a mightier master than I 
may claim you before dawn, for it will be an 
awful night. Put out your funeral pyre, Canaris, 
wrap your shroud well about you, gather up your 
relics, and follow me. I can at least give you a 
warmer welcome than I have received,” added 
Helwyze, with that sardonic laugh of his, as he 
left the room. 

Before he had groped his slow way down the 
long stairs the youth joined him, and side by 
side they went out into the night. 


A MODERN M EPHIS T OPHELES. 1 3 


A month later the same pair sat together in 
a room that was a dream of luxury. A noble 
library, secluded, warm, and still ; the reposeful 
atmosphere that students love pervaded it ; rare 
books lined its lofty walls : poets and philoso- 
phers looked down upon their work with immor- 
tal satisfaction on their marble countenances ; 
and the two living occupants well became their 
sumptuous surroundings. 

Helwyze leaned in a great chair beside a table 
strewn with books which curiously betrayed the 
bent of a strong mind made morbid by physical 
suffering. Dord’s “ Dante ” spread its awful pages 
before him ; the old Greek tragedies were scat- 
tered about, and Goethe’s “ Faust ” was in his hand. 
An unimpressive figure at first sight, this frail- 
looking man, whose age it would be hard to tell ; 
for pain plays strange pranks, and sometimes 
preserves to manhood a youthful delicacy in re- 
turn for the vigor it destroys. But at a second 
glance the eye was arrested and interest aroused, 
for an indefinable expression of power pervaded 
the whole face, beardless, thin-lipped, sharply 
cut, and colorless as ivory. A stray lock or 
two of dark hair streaked the high brow, and 
below shone the controlling feature of this singu- 
lar countenance, a pair of eyes, intensely black, 


14 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


and so large they seemed to burden the thin 
face. Violet shadows encircled them, telling of 
sleepless nights, days of languor, and long years 
of suffering, borne with stern patience. But in 
the eyes themselves all the vitality of the man’s 
indomitable spirit seemed concentrated, intense 
and brilliant as a flame, which nothing could 
quench. By turns melancholy, meditative, pierc- 
ing, or contemptuous, they varied in expression 
with startling rapidity, unless mastered by an 
art stronger than nature attracting or repelling 
with a magnetism few wills could resist. 

Propping his great forehead on his hand, he 
read, motionless as a statue, till a restless move- 
ment made him glance up at his companion, 
and fall to studying him with a silent scrutiny 
which in another would have softened to admi- 
ration, for Canaris was scarcely less beautiful 
than the Narcissus in the niche behind him. 

An utter contrast to his patron, for youth 
lent its vigor to the well-knit frame, every limb 
of which was so perfectly proportioned that 
strength and grace were most harmoniously 
blended. Health glowed in the rich coloring 
of the classically moulded face, and lurked in the 
luxuriant locks which clustered in glossy rings 
from the low brow to the white throat. Happi* 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 5 


ness shone in the large dreamy eyes and smiled 
on the voluptuous lips ; while an indescribable 
expression of fire and force pervaded the whole, 
redeeming its beauty from effeminacy. 

A gracious miracle had been wrought in that 
month, for the haggard youth was changed into 
a wonderfully attractive young man, whose nat- 
ural ease and elegance fitted him to adorn that 
charming place, as well as to enjoy the luxury 
his pleasure-loving senses craved. 

The pen had fallen from his hand, and lying 
back in his chair with eyes fixed on vacancy, he 
seemed dreaming dreams born of the unexpected 
prosperity which grew more precious with each 
hour of its possession. 

“ Youth surely is the beauty of the devil, and 
that boy might have come straight from the 
witches’ kitchen and the magic draught,” 
thought Helwyze, as he closed his book, adding 
to himself with a daring expression, “ Of all the 
visions haunting his ambitious brain not one is 
so wild and wayward as the fancy which haunts 
mine. Why not play fate, and finish what I have 
begun ? ” 

A pause fell, more momentous than either 
dreamed ; then it was abruptly broken. 

“ Felix, the time is up.” 


1 6 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


“ It is, sir. Am I to go or stay ? ” and Cana- 
ris rose, looking half-bewildered as his brilliant 
castles in the air dissolved like mist before a 
sudden gust. 

“ Stay, if you will ; but it is a quiet life for 
such as you, and I am a dull companion. Could 
you bear it for a year ? ” 

“For twenty ! Sir, you have been most kind 
and generous, and this month has seemed like 
heaven, after the bitter want you took me from. 
Let me show gratitude by faithful service, if I 
can,” exclaimed the young man, coming to stand 
before his master, as he chose to call his bene- 
factor, for favors were no burden yet. 

“No thanks, I do it for my own pleasure. It 
is not every one who can have antique beauty 
in flesh and blood as well as marble ; I have a 
fancy to keep my handsome secretary as the one 
ornament my library lacked before.” 

Canaris reddened like a girl, and gave a dis- 
dainful shrug ; but vanity was tickled, never- 
theless, and he betrayed it by the sidelong 
glance he stole towards the polished doors of 
glass reflecting his figure like a mirror. 

“ Nay, never frown and blush, man ; * beauty is 
its own excuse for being/ and you may thank 
the gods for yours, since but for that I should 


A MODERN MEP HIS T OP HEL ES. 


1 7 


send you away to fight your dragons single- 
handed,” said Helwyze, with a covert smile, add- 
ing, as he leaned forward to read the face which 
could wear no mask for him, “ Come, you shall 
give me a year of your liberty, and I will help 
you to prove Forsythe a liar.” 

“You will bring out my book ? ” cried Canaris, 
clasping his hands as a flash of joy irradiated 
every lineament. 

“ Why not ? and satisfy the hunger that tor- 
ments you, though you try to hide it. I cannot 
promise success, but I can promise a fair trial ; 
and if you stand the test, fame and fortune 
will come together. Love and happiness you 
can seek for at your own good pleasure.” 

“You have divined my longing. I do hunger 
and thirst for fame ; I dream of it by night, I 
sigh for it by day ; every thought and aspiration 
centres in that desire; and if I did not still 
cling to that hope, even the perfect home you 
offer me would seem a prison. I must have it ; 
the success men covet and admire, suffer and 
strive for, and die content if they win it only for 
a little time. Give me this and I am yours, body 
and soul ; I have nothing else to offer.” 

Canaris spoke with passionate energy, and 
flung out his hand as if he cast himself at the 
a 


1 8 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES . 


other’s feet, a thing of little worth compared to 
the tempting prize for which he lusted. 

Helwyze took the hand in a light, cold clasp, 
that tightened slowly as he answered with the 
look of one before whose will all obstacles go 
down, — 

“ Done ! Now show me the book, and let us 
see if we cannot win this time.” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 9 


II. 

1VT0THING stirred about the vine-clad villa, 
except the curtains swaying in the balmy 
wind, that blew up from a garden where mid- 
summer warmth brooded over drowsy flowers 
and whispering trees. The lake below gleamed 
like a mirror garlanded about with water-lilies, 
opening their white bosoms to the sun. The 
balcony above burned with deep-hearted roses 
pouring out their passionate perfume, as if in 
rivalry of the purple heliotrope, which overflowed 
great urns on either side of the stone steps. 

Nothing broke the silence but the breezy 
rustle, the murmurous lapse of waters upon a 
quiet shore, and now and then the brief carol of 
a bird waking from its noontide sleep. A ham- 
mock swung at one end of the balcony, but it 
was empty; open doors showed the wide hall 
tenanted only by statues gleaming, cool and coy, 
in shadowy nooks ; and the spirit of repose 
seemed to haunt the lovely spot. 

For an hour the sweet spell lasted ; then it was 


20 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


broken by the faint, far-off warble of a woman’s 
voice, which seemed to wake the sleeping palace 
into life ; for, as if drawn by the music, a young 
man came through the garden, looking as Fer- 
dinand might, when Ariel led him to Miranda. 

Too beautiful for a man he was, and seemed to 
protest against it by a disdainful negligence of 
all the arts which could enhance the gracious 
gift. A picturesque carelessness marked his 
costume, the luxuriant curls that covered his 
head were in riotous confusion ; and as he came 
into the light he stretched his limbs with the 
graceful abandon of a young wood-god rousing 
from his drowse in some green covert. 

Swinging a knot of lilies in his hand, he saun- 
tered up the long path, listening with a smile, for 
as the voice drew nearer he recognized both song 
and singer. 

“ Little Gladys must not see me, or she will 
end her music too soon,” he whispered to himself ; 
and, stepping behind the great vase, he peered 
between the plumy sprays to watch the coming 
of the voice that made his verses doubly melodi- 
ous to their creator’s ear. 

Through the shadowy hall there came a slender 
creature in a quaint white gown, who looked as 
if she might have stepped down from the marble 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


21 


Hebe’s pedestal ; for there was something won- 
derfully virginal and fresh about the maidenly 
figure with its deep, soft eyes, pale hair, and 
features clearly cut as a fine cameo. Emerging 
from the gloom into a flood of sunshine, which 
touched her head with a glint of gold, and brought 
out in strong relief the crimson cover of the 
book, held half-closed against her breast, she 
came down the steps, still singing softly to herself. 

A butterfly was sunning its changeful wings 
on the carved balustrade, and she paused to watch 
it, quite unconscious of the picture she made, or 
the hidden observer who enjoyed it with the de- 
light of one whose senses were keenly alive to 
all that ministers to pleasure. A childish act 
enough, but it contrasted curiously with the words 
she sung, — fervid words, that seemed to drop 
lingeringly from her lips as if in a new language ; 
lovely, yet half learned. 

“ Pretty thing ! I wish I could sketch her as 
she stands, and use her as an illustration to that 
song. No nightingale ever had a sweeter voice 
for a love-lay than this charming girl,” thought 
the flattered listener, as, obeying a sudden im- 
pulse, he flung up the lilies, stepped out from his 
ambush, and half -said, half-sung, as he looked up 
with a glance of mirthful meaning, — 


22 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


“ Like a high-born maiden 
In a palace tower, 

Soothing her love-laden 
Soul in secret hour, 

With music sweet as love which overflows her bower.” 

The flowers dropped at her feet, and, leaning 
forward with the supple grace of girlhood, she 
looked down to meet the dangerous dark eyes, 
while her own seemed to wake and deepen with 
a sudden light as beautiful as the color which 
dawned in her innocent face. Not the quick red 
of shame, nor the glow of vanity, but a slow, soft 
flush like the shadow of a rosy cloud on snow. No 
otherwise disconcerted, she smiled back at him, 
and answered with unexpected aptness, in lines 
that were a truer compliment than his had 
been, — 

“ Like a poet hidden 

In the light of thought, 

Singing hymns unbidden, 

Till the world is wrought 
To sympathy with hopes and fears it heeded not.” 

It was this charm of swift and subtle sympathy 
which made the girl seem sometimes like the 
embodied spirit of all that was most high and 
pure in his own wayward but aspiring nature. 
And this the spell that drew him to her now, 
glad to sun himself like the butterfly in the light 
of eyes so clear and candid, that he could read 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 23 


therein the emotions of a maiden heart just 
opening to its first, half-conscious love. 

Springing up the steps, he said with the 
caressing air as native to him as his grace of 
manner. “ Sit here and weave a pretty garland 
for your hair, while I thank you for making my 
poor verses beautiful. Where did you find the 
air that fits those words so well ? ” 

“ It came itself ; as the song did, I think,” she 
answered simply, as she obeyed him, and began 
to braid the long brown stems, shaping a chaplet 
fit for Undine. 

“Ah! you will never guess how that came!” 
he said, sitting at her feet to watch the small 
fingers at their pretty work. But though his 
eyes rested there, they grew absent ; and he 
seemed to fall into a reverie not wholly pleasant, 
for he knit his brows as if the newly won laurel 
wreath sat uneasily upon a head which seemed 
made to wear it. 

Gladys watched him in reverential silence till 
he became conscious of her presence again, and 
gave her leave to speak, with a smile which had 
in it something of the condescension of an idol 
towards its devoutest worshipper. 

“ Were you making poetry, then ? ” she asked, 
with the frank curiosity of a child. 


24 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES . 


“ No, I was wondering where I should be now 
if I had never made any ; ” and he looked at the 
summer paradise around him with an involun- 
tary shiver, as if a chill wind had blown upon 
him. 

“ Think rather what you will write next. It 
is so lovely I want more, although I do not un- 
derstand all this,” touching the book upon her 
knee with a regretful sigh. 

“ Neither do I; much of it is poor stuff, 
Gladys. Do not puzzle your sweet wits over it.” 

“ That is because you are so modest. People 
say true genius is always humble.” 

“ Then, I am not a true genius ; for I am as 
proud as Lucifer.” 

“You may well be proud of such work as 
this ; ” and she carefully brushed a fallen petal 
from the silken cover. 

“But I am not proud of that. At times I 
almost hate it ! ” exclaimed the capricious poet, 
impetuously, then checked himself, and added 
more composedly, “ I mean to do so much better, 
that this first attempt shall be forgotten.” 

“I think you will never do better; for this 
came from your heart, without a thought of what 
the world would say. Hereafter all you write 
may be more perfect in form but less true in 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 25 


spirit, because you will have the fear of the 
world, and loss of fame before your eyes.” 

“ How can you know that ? ” he asked, won- 
dering that this young girl, so lately met, should 
read him so ^ ell, and touch a secret doubt that 
kept him idle after the first essay, which had 
been a most flattering success. 

“ Nay, I do not know, I only feel as if it must 
be so. I always sing best when alone, and the 
thought of doing it for praise or money spoils 
the music to my ear.” 

“ I feel as if it would be possible to do any 
thing here, and forget that there is a world out- 
side.” 

“ Then it is not dull to you ? I am glad, for I 
thought it would be, because so many people 
want you, and you might choose many gayer 
places in which to spend your summer holi- 
day.” 

“ I have no choice in this ; yet I was willing 
enough to come. The first time is always 
pleasant, and I am tired of the gayer places,” 
he said, with a blast air that ill concealed how 
sweet the taste of praise had been to one who 
hungered for it. 

“Yet it must seem very beautiful to be so 
sought, admired, and loved,” the girl said wist* 


2 6 A MODERN ME PH IS T OPHELES. 


fully, for few of fortune’s favors had fallen into 
her lap as yet. 

“ It is, and I was intoxicated with the wine of 
success for a time. But after all, I find a bitter 
drop in it, for there is always a higher step to 
take, a brighter prize to win, and one is never 
satisfied.” 

He paused an instant with the craving yet 
despondent look poets and painters wear as they 
labor for perfection in “ a divine despair ; ” then 
added, in a tone of kindly satisfaction which rung 
true on the sensitive ear that listened, — 

“ But all that nonsense pleases Helwyze, and 
he has so few delights, I would not rob him of 
one even so small as this, for I owe every thing 
to him, you know.” 

“ I do not know. May I ? ” 

“ You may ; for I want you to like my friend, 
and now I think you only fear him.” 

“ Mr. Canaris, I do not dislike your friend. 
He has been most kind, to me, I am grieved if 
I seem ungrateful,” murmured Gladys, with a 
vague trouble in her artless face, for she had no 
power to explain the instinctive recoil which had 
unconsciously betrayed itself. 

“ Hear what he did for me, and then it may 
be easier to show as well as to feel gratitude 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 27 


since but for him you would have had none of 
these foolish rhymes to sing.” 

With a look askance, a quick gesture, and a 
curious laugh, Canaris tossed the book into the 
urn below, and the heliotrope gave a fragrant 
sigh as it closed above the treasure given to its 
keeping. Gladys uttered a little cry, but her 
companion took no heed, for clasping his hands 
about his knee he looked off into the bloomy 
wilderness below as if he saw a younger self there, 
and spoke of him with a pitiful sort of interest. 

“ Three years ago an ambitious boy came to 
seek his fortune in the great city yonder. He 
possessed nothing but sundry accomplishments, 
and a handful of verses which he tried to sell. 
Failing in this hope after various trials, he grew 
desperate, and thought to end his life like poor 
Chatterton. No, not like Chatterton, — for this 
boy was not an impostor.” 

“ Had he no friend anywhere ? ” asked 
Gladys, — her work neglected while she listened 
with intensest interest to the tale so tragically 
begun. 

“ He thought not, but chance sent him one 
at the last hour, and when he called on death, 
Helwyze came. It always seemed to me as if, 
unwittingly, I conjured from the fire kindled to 


28 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


destroy myself a genie who had power to change 
me from the miserable wretch I was, into the 
happy man I am. For more than a year I have 
been with him, — first as secretary, then pro - 
tigt, now friend, almost son ; for he asks noth- 
ing of me except such services as I love to 
render, and gives me every aid towards winning 
my way. Is not that magnificent generosity? 
Can I help regarding him with superstitious 
gratitude? Am I not rightly named Felix?” 

“ Yes, oh yes ! Tell me more, please. I 
have led such a lonely life, that human beings 
are like wonder-books to me, and I am never 
tired of reading them.” Gladys looked with a 
rapt expression into the face upturned to hers, 
little dreaming how dangerous such lore might 
be to her. 

“ Then you should read Helwyze ; he is a 
romance that will both charm and make your 
heart ache, if you dare to try him.” 

“ I dare, if I may, because I would so gladly 
lose my fear of him in the gentler feeling that 
grows in me as I listen.” 

Canaris was irresistibly led on to confidences 
he had no right to make, it was so pleasant to 
feel that he had the power to move the girl by 
his words, as the wind sways a leaf upon its deli- 


A MODERN MEPH/S TOPHELES. 29 


cate stem. A half-fledged purpose lurked in a 
dark corner of his mind, and even while deny- 
ing its existence to himself, he yielded to its 
influence, careless of consequences. 

“ Then I will go on and let compassion finish 
what I have begun. Till thirty, Helwyze led a 
wonderfully free, rich life, I infer from hints 
dropped in unguarded moments, — for confiden- 
tial moods are rare. Every good gift was his, 
and nothing to alloy his happiness, unless it was 
the restless nature which kept him wandering 
like an Arab long after most men have found 
some ambition to absorb, or some tie to restrain, 
them. From what I have gathered, I know that 
a great passion was beginning to tame his un- 
quiet spirit, when a great misfortune came to 
afflict it, and in an hour changed a life of entire 
freedom to one of the bitterest bondage such a 
man can know.” 

“Oh, what?” cried Gladys, as. he artfully 
paused just there to see her bend nearer, and her 
lips part with the tremor of suspense. 

“ A terrible fall ; and for ten years he has 
never known a day’s rest from pain of some 
sort, and never will, till death releases him ten 
years hence, perhaps, if his indomitable will 
keeps him alive so long.” 


30 A MODERN MEPH1ST0PHELES. 


“ Alas, alas ! is there no cure ? ” sighed 
Gladys, as the violet eyes grew dim for very pity 
of so hard a fate. 

“ None.” 

A brief silence followed while the shadow of 
a great white cloud drifted across the sky, blot- 
ting out the sunshine for a moment. 

All the flowers strayed down upon the steps 
and lay there forgotten, as the hands that held 
them were clasped together on the girl’s breast, 
as if the mere knowledge of a lot like this lay 
heavy at her heart. 

Satisfied with his effect, the story-teller was 
tempted to add another stroke, and went on 
with the fluency of one who saw all things dra- 
matically, and could not help coloring them in 
his own vivid fancy. 

“ That seems very terrible to you, but in truth 
the physical affliction was not so great as the 
loss that tried his soul ; for he loved ardently, 
and had just won his suit, when the misfortune 
came which tied him to a bed of torment for 
some years. A fall from heaven to hell could 
hardly have seemed worse than to be precipi- 
tated from the heights of such a happiness to 
the depths of such a double woe ; for she, the 
beautiful, beloved woman proved disloyal, and 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 3 1 


left him lying there, like Prometheus, with the 
vulture of remembered bliss to rend his heart.” 

“ Could he not forget her ? ” and Gladys trem- 
bled with indignation at the perfidy which seemed 
impossible to a nature born for self-sacrifice. 

“ He never will forget or forgive, although the 
man she married well avenged him while he lived, 
and bequeathed her a memory which all his gold 
could not gild. Her fate is the harder now ; for 
the old love has revived, and Helwyze is dearer 
than in his days of unmarred strength. He 
knows it, but will not accept the tardy atone- 
ment ; for contempt has killed his love, and with 
him there is no resurrection of the dead. A 
very patient and remorseful love is hers : for she 
has been humiliated in spirit, as he can never be, 
by the bodily ills above which he has risen so 
heroically that his courage has subdued the 
haughtiest woman I ever met” 

“ You know her, then ? ” and Gladys bent to 
look into his face, with her own shadowed by an 
intuition of the truth. 

“ Yes.” 

“ I am afraid to listen any more. It is terrible 
to know that such bitterness and grief lie hid- 
den in the hearts about me. Why did you 
tell me this?” she demanded, shrinking from 


32 A MODERN ME PHIS 1 VPH ELES. 


him, as if some prophetic fear had stepped be- 
tween them. 

“ Why did I ? Because I wished to make you 
pity my friend, and help me put a little bright- 
ness into his hard life. You can do it if you will, 
for you soothe and please him, and few possess 
the power to give him any comfort. He makes 
no complaint, asks no pity, and insists on ignor- 
ing the pain which preys upon him, till it grows 
too great to be concealed ; then shuts himself up 
alone, to endure it like a Spartan. Forgive me 
if in my eagerness I have said too much, and for- 
get whatever troubled you.” 

Canaris spoke with genuine regret, and hoped 
to banish the cloud from a face which had been 
as placid as the lake below, till he disturbed it 
by reflections that affrighted her. 

“ It is easy to forgive, but not to forget, words 
which cannot be unsaid. I was so happy here ; 
and now it is all spoilt. She was a new-made 
friend, and very kind to me when I was desolate. 
I shall seem a thankless beggar if I go away be- 
fore I have paid my debt as best I can. How 
shall I tell her that I must ? ” 

“ Of whom do you speak ? I gave no name 
I thought you would not guess. Why must you 
go, Gladys ?” asked the young man, surprised to 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 33 


see how quickly she felt the chill of doubt, and 
tried to escape obligation, when neither love nor 
respect brightened it. 

“ I need give no name, because you know. It is 
as well, perhaps, that I have guessed it. I ought 
not to have been so content, since I am here 
through charity. I must take up my life and 
try to shape it for myself ; but the world seems 
very large now I am all alone.” 

She spoke half to herself, and looked beyond 
the safe, secluded garden, to the gray mountains 
whose rough paths her feet had trod before they 
were led here to rest. 

Quick to be swayed by the varying impulses 
which ruled him with capricious force, Canaris 
was now full of pity for the trouble he had 
wrought, and when she rose, like a bird startled 
from its nest, he rose also, and, taking the hand 
put out as if involuntarily asking help, he said 
with regretful gentleness, — 

“ Do not be afraid, we will befriend you. Hel- 
wyze shall counsel and I will comfort, if we can. 
I should not have told that dismal story ; I will 
atone for it by a new song, and you shall grow 
happy in singing it.” 

She hesitated, withdrew her hand, and looked 
askance at him, as if one doubt bred others. 


34 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


An approaching footstep made her start, and 
stand a moment with head erect, eye fixed, and 
ear intent, like a listening deer, then whispering, 
“ It is she ; hide me till I learn to look as if I 
did not know ! ” — Gladys sprung down the steps, 
and vanished like a wraith, leaving no token of 
her presence but the lilies in the dust, for the 
young man followed fleetly. 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 35 


III. 



WOMAN came into the balcony with a 


x swift step, and paused there, as if disap- 
pointed to find it deserted. A woman in the 
midsummer of her life, brilliant, strong, and 
stately ; clad in something dusky and diapha- 
nous, unrelieved by any color, except the pale 
gold of the laburnum clusters, that drooped from 
deep bosom and darkest hair. Pride sat on the 
forehead, with its straight black brows, passion 
slept in the Southern eyes, lustrous or languid 
by turns, and will curved the closely folded lips 
of vivid red. 

But over all this beauty, energy, and grace an 
indescribable blight seemed to have fallen, deeper 
than the loss of youth’s first freshness, darker 
than the trace of any common sorrow. Some- 
thing felt, rather than seen, which gave her the 
air of a dethroned queen ; conquered, but pro- 
testing fiercely, even while forced to submit to 
some inexorable decree, whose bitterest pang 
was the knowledge that the wrong was self- 
inflicted. 


36 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


As she stood there, looking down the green 
vista, two figures crossed it. A smile curved 
the sad mouth, and she said aloud, “ Faust and 
Margaret, playing the old, old game.” 

“ And Mephistopheles and Martha looking 
on/’ added a melodious voice, behind her, as 
Helwyze swept back the half-transparent cur- 
tain from the long window where he sat. 

“The part you give me is not a flattering 
one,” she answered, veiling mingled pique and 
pleasure with well-feigned indifference. 

“ Nor mine ; yet I think they suit us both, in 
a measure. Do you know, Olivia, that the acci- 
dental reading of my favorite tragedy, at a cer- 
tain moment, gave me a hint which has afforded 
amusement for a year.” 

“You mean your fancy for playing Mentor to 
that boy. A dangerous task for you, Jasper.” 

“The danger is the charm. I crave excite 
ment, occupation ; and what but something of 
this sort is left me ? Much saving grace in 
charity, we are told ; and who needs it more than 
I ? Surely I have been kinder to Felix than the 
Providence which left him to die of destitution 
and despair ? ” 

“Perhaps not. The love of power is strong 
in men like you, and grows by what it feeds on. 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 37 


If I am not mistaken, this whim of a moment 
has already hardened into a purpose which will 
mould his life in spite of him. It is an occu- 
pation that suits your taste, for you enjoy his 
beauty and his promise ; you like to praise and 
pamper him till vanity and love of pleasure wax 
strong, then you check him with an equal satis- 
faction, and find excitement in curbing his high 
spirit, his wayward will. By what tie you hold 
him I cannot tell ; but I know it must be some- 
thing stronger than gratitude, for, though he 
chafes against the bond, he dares not break 
it.” 

“ Ah, that is my secret ! What would you 
not give if I would teach you the art of taming 
men as I once taught you to train a restive 
horse ? ” — and Helwyze looked out at her with 
eyes full of malicious merriment. 

“You have taught me the art of taming a 
woman ; is not that enough ? ” murmured 
Olivia, in a tone that would have touched any 
man’s heart with pity, if with no tenderer emo- 
tion. 

But Helwyze seemed not to hear the re- 
proach, and went on, as if the other topic suited 
his mood best. 

“I call Canaris my Greek slave, sometimes, 


38 A MODERN MEP HIS T OPHELES. 


and he never knows whether to feel flattered or 
insulted. His father was a Greek adventurer, 
you know (ended tragically, I suspect), and but 
for the English mother’s legacy of a trifle of 
moral sense, Felix would be as satisfactory a 
young heathen as if brought straight from an- 
cient Athens. It was this peculiar mixture of 
unscrupulous daring and fitful virtue which 
attracted me, as much as his unusual beauty 
and undoubted talent. Money can buy almost 
any thing, you know ; so I bought my hand- 
some Alcibiades, and an excellent bargain I find 
him.” 

“ But when you tire of him, what then ? You 
cannot sell him again, nor throw him away, like 
a book you weary of. Neither can you leave 
him neglected in the lumber-room, with distaste- 
ful statues or bad pictures. Affection, if you 
have it, will not outlast your admiration, and I 
have much curiosity to know what will become 
of your ‘ handsome Alcibiades ’ then.” 

“ Then, my cousin, I will give him to you, for 
I have fancied of late that you rather coveted 
him. You could not manage him now, — the 
savage in him is not quite civilized yet, — but 
wait a little, and I will make a charming play- 
thing for you. I know you will treat him kindly, 


MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 39 


since it is truly said, Those who have served, best 
know how to rule.” 

The sneer stung her deeply, for there was no 
humiliation this proud woman had not suffered 
at the hands of a brutal and unfaithful husband. 
1’ity was as bitter a draught to her as to the 
man who thus cruelly reminded her of the long 
bondage which had left an ineffaceable blight 
upon her life. The wound bled inwardly, but 
she retaliated, as only such a woman could. 

“ Love is the one master who can rule and 
bind without danger or disgrace. I shall re- 
member that, and when you give me Felix he 
will find me a gentler mistress than I was ten 
years ago — to you.” 

The last words dropped from her lips as softly 
as if full of tender reminiscence, but they pricked 
pride, since they could not touch a relentless 
heart. Helwyze betrayed it by the sombre fire 
of his eye, the tone in which he answered. 

“ And I will ask of you the only gift I care 
to accept, — your new prottgte, Gladys. Tell 
me where you found her ; the child interests 
me much.” 

“I know it;” and, stifling a pang of jealous 
pain, Olivia obeyed with the docility of one in 
whom will was conquered by a stronger power. 


40 A MODERN MEP Hi S T OP H EL ES. 


“ A freak took me to the hills in March. My 
winter had been a vain chase after happiness, 
and I wanted solitude. I found it where chance 
led me, — in this girl’s home. A poor, bleak 
place enough ; but it suited me, for there were 
only the father and daughter, and they left me 
to myself. The man died suddenly, and no one 
mourned, for he was a selfish tyrant. The girl 
was left quite alone, and nearly penniless, but so 
happy in her freedom that she had no fears. I 
liked the courage of the creature ; I knew how 
she felt ; I saw great capacity for something fine 
in her. I said, ‘ Come with me for a little, and 
time will show you the next step.’ She came ; 
time has shown her, and the next step will take 
her from my house to yours, unless I much mis- 
take your purpose.” 

Leaning in the low, lounging chair, Helwyze 
had listened motionless, except that the fingers 
of one thin hand moved fitfully, as if he played 
upon some instrument inaudible to all ears but 
his own. A frequent gesture of his, and most 
significant, to any one who knew that his favor- 
ite pastime was touching human heart-strings 
with marvellous success in producing discords 
by his uncanny skill. 

As Olivia paused, he asked in a voice as suave 
as cold, — 


A MODERN MEPHIS T OPHELES. 4 1 


“ My purpose ? Have I any ? ” 

“You say she interests you, and you watch 
her in a way that proves it. Have you not 
already resolved to win her for your amusement, 
by some bribe as cunning as that you gave 
Canaris for his liberty?” 

“I have. You are a shrewd woman, Olivia.” 

“Yet she is not beautiful;” and her eye 
vainly searched the inscrutable countenance, 
that showed so passionless and pale against 
the purple cushion where it leaned. 

“ Pardon me, the loveliest woman I have seen 
for years. A beautiful, fresh soul is most at- 
tractive when one is weary of more material 
charms. This girl seems made of spirit, fire, 
and dew ; a mixture rare as it is exquisite, and 
the spell is all the greater because of its fine and 
elusive quality. I promise myself much satis- 
faction in observing how this young creature 
meets the trials and temptations life and love 
will bring her ; and to do this she must be near 
at hand.” 

“ Happy Gladys ! ” 

Olivia smiled a scornful smile, but folded her 
arms to curb the rebellious swelling of her heart 
at the thought of another woman nearer than 
herself. She turned away as she spoke; but 


42 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


Helwyze saw the quiver of her lips, and read 
the meaning of the piercing glance she shot into 
the garden, as if to find and annihilate that un- 
conscious rival. 

Content for the moment with the touch of 
daily torture which was the atonement exacted 
for past disloyalty, he lifted the poor soul from 
despair to delight by the utterance of three 
words, accompanied by a laugh as mirthless as 
musical, — 

“ Happy Felix, rather.” 

“Is he to marry her ? ” and Olivia fronted him, 
glowing with a sudden joy which made her 
lovely as well as brilliant. 

“Who else?” 

“Yourself.” 

“ I ! ” and the word was full of a bitterness 
which thrilled every nerve the woman had, for 
an irrepressible regret wrung it from lips sternly 
shut on all complaint, except to her. 

“ Why not ? ” she cried, daring to answer with 
impetuous warmth and candor. “ What woman 
would not be glad to serve you for the sake of 
the luxury with which you would surround her, 
if not for the love you might win and give, if 
you chose ? ” 

“ Bah ! what have I to do with love ? Thank 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPIIELES. 43 


Heaven my passions are all dead, else life would 
be a hell, not the purgatory it is,” he said, glanc- 
ing at his wasted limbs, with an expression 
which would have been pathetic, had it not been 
defiant ; for that long discipline of pain had failed 
to conquer the spirit of the man, and it seemed 
to sit aloof, viewing with a curious mixture of 
compassion and contempt the slow ruin of the 
body which imprisoned it. 

With an impulse womanly as winning, Olivia 
plucked a wine-dark rose from the trellis nearest 
her, and, bending towards him, laid it in his hand, 
with a look and gesture of one glad to give all 
she possessed, if that were possible. 

“Your love of beauty still survives, and is a 
solace to you. Let me minister to it when I 
can ; and be assured I offer my little friend as 
freely as I do my choicest rose.” 

“ Thanks ; the flower for me, the friend for 
Felix. Young as he is, he knows how to woo, 
and she will listen to his love-tale as willingly as 
she did to the highly colored romance he was 
telling her just now. You would soon find 
her a burden, Olivia, and so should I, unless 
she came in this way. We need do nothing 
but leave the young pair to summer and se- 
clusion ; they will make the match better and 


44 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


more quickly than we could. Then a month 
for the honeymoon business, and all can be 
comfortably settled before October frosts set 
in.” 

“You often say, where women are is discord; 
yet you are planning to bring one into your 
house in the most dangerous way. Have you 
no fears, Jasper?” 

“ Not of Gladys ; she is so young, I can mould 
her as I please, and that suits me. She will 
become my house well, this tender, transparent 
little creature, with her tranquil eyes, and the sin- 
cere voice which makes truth sweeter than false- 
hood. You must come and see her there ; but 
never try to alter her, or the charm will be de- 
stroyed.” 

“You may be satisfied: but how will it be 
with Felix? Hitherto your sway has been un- 
divided, now you must share it ; for with all her 
gentleness she is strong, and will rule him.” 

“And I, Gladys. Felix suits me excellently, 
and it will only add another charm to the rela- 
tion if I control him through the medium of 
another. My young lion is discovering his 
power rapidly, and I must give him a Una be- 
fore he breaks loose and chooses for himself. 
If matters must be complicated, I choose to do 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 45 


it, and it will occupy my winter pleasantly to 
watch the success of this new combination.” 

While he talked, Helwyze had been absently 
stripping leaf after leaf from the great rose, till 
nothing but the golden heart remained trem- 
bling on the thorny stem. 

Olivia had watched the velvet petals fall one 
by one, feeling a sad sympathy with the ill-used 
gift ; yet, as the last leaf fluttered to the ground, 
she involuntarily lifted up her hand to break 
another, glad if even in the destruction of so 
frail a thing he could find a moment’s pleasure. 

“ No, let them hang ; their rich color pleases 
best among the green ; their cloying perfume is 
too heavy for the house. A snowdrop, leaning 
from its dainty sheath undaunted by March 
winds, is more to my taste now,” he said, drop- 
ping the relics of the rose, with the slow smile 
which often lent such significance to a careless 
word. 

“ I cannot give you that : spring flowers are all 
gone long ago,” began Olivia, regretfully. 

“ Nay, you give me one in Gladys ; no spring 
flower could be more delicate than she, gathered 
by your own hand from the bleak nook where 
you found her. It is the faint, vernal fragrance 
of natures, coyly hidden from common eye and 


46 A MODERN MEP HIS T OPHELES. 


touch, which satisfies and soothes senses refined 
by suffering.” 

“ Yet you will destroy it, like the rose, in find- 
ing out the secret of its life. I wondered why 
this pale, cold innocence was so attractive to a 
man like you. There was a time when you 
would have laughed at such a fancy, and craved 
something with more warmth and brilliancy.” 

“ I am wiser now, and live here, not here,” he 
answered, touching first his forehead then his 
breast, with melancholy meaning. “ While my 
brain is spared me I can survive the ossification 
of all the heart I ever had, since, at best, it is 
an unruly member. Almost as inconvenient as 
a conscience ; that, thank fortune, I never had. 
Yes; to study the mysterious mechanism of 
human nature is a most absorbing pastime, when 
books weary, and other sources of enjoyment 
are forbidden. Try it, and see what an exciting 
game it becomes, when men and women are the 
pawns you learn to move at will. Goethe’s boy- 
ish puppet-show was but a symbol of the skill 
and power which made the man the magician he 
became.” 

“An impious pastime, a dearly purchased 
fame, built on the broken hearts of women ! ” ex- 
claimed Olivia, walking to and fro with the 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 4 7 


noiseless step and restless grace of a leopardess 
pacing its cage. 

Helwyze neither seemed to see nor hear her, 
for his gloomy eyes stared at a little bird tilting 
on a spray that swung in the freshening wind, 
and his thoughts followed their own path. 

“ ‘ Pale, cold innocence.’ It is curious that it 
should charm me. A good sign, perhaps ; for 
poets tell us that fallen angels sigh for the heaven 
they have lost, and try to rise again on the wings 
of spirits stronger and purer than themselves. 
Would they not find virtue insipid after a fiery 
draught of sin ? Did not Paradise seem a little 
dull to Dante, in spite of Beatrice ? I wish I 
knew.” 

“ Is it for this that you want the girl’s help ? ” 
asked Olivia, pausing in her march to look at 
him. “ I shall wait with interest to see if she 
lifts you up to sainthood, or you drag her down 
to your level, where intellect is God, conscience 
ignored, and love despised. Unhappy Gladys ! I 
should have said, because I cannot keep her from 
you, if I would ; and in your hands she will be as 
helpless as the dumb creatures surgeons torture, 
that they may watch a living nerve, count the 
throbbing of an artery, or see how long the poor 
things will live bereft of some vital part. Let 


48 A MODERN MEPHN TOPHELES. 


the child alone, Jasper, or you will repent of 
it.” 

“ Upon my word, Olivia, you are in an omi- 
nously prophetic mood. I hear a carriage ; and, 
as I am invisible to all eyes but your gifted 
ones, pardon me if I unceremoniously leave the 
priestess on 'her tripod.” 

And the curtain dropped between them as 
suddenly as it had been lifted, depriving the 
woman of the one troubled joy of her life, —com- 
panionship with him. 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 49 


IV. 

" TC'ELIX, are you asleep ? ” 

^ “ No, sir, only resting” 

“ Have you been at work ? ” 

“ Decidedly ; I rowed across the lake and 
back.” 

“Alone?” 

“ Gladys went with me, singing like a mer- 
maid all the way.” 

“Ah!” 

Both men were lounging in the twilight ; but 
there was a striking difference in their way of 
doing it. Canaris lay motionless on a couch, his 
head pillowed on his arms, enjoying the luxury 
of repose, with the dolce far niente only possible 
to those in whose veins runs Southern blood. 
Helwyze leaned in a great chair, which looked a 
miracle of comfort ; but its occupant stirred rest- 
lessly, as if he found no ease among its swelling 
cushions ; and there was an alert expression in 
his face, betraying that the brain was at work on 
some thought or purpose which both absorbed 
and excited. 


3 


D 


50 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


A pause followed the brief dialogue, during 
which Canaris seemed to relapse into his de- 
licious drowse, while Helwyze sat looking at him 
with the critical regard one bestows on a fine 
work of art. Yet something in the spectacle 
of rest he could not share seemed to annoy him ; 
for, suddenly turning up the shaded lamp upon 
his table, he dispelled the soft gloom, and broke 
the silence. 

“ I have a request to make. May I trouble 
you to listen ? ” 

There was a tone of command in the court- 
eously worded speech, which made Canaris sit 
erect, with a respectful — 

“ At your service, sir.” 

“ I wish you to marry,” continued Helwyze, 
with such startling abruptness that the young 
man gazed at him in mute amazement for a 
moment. Then, veiling his surprise by a laugh, 
he asked lightly, — 

“ Isn’t it rather soon for that, sir ? I am hardly 
of age.” 

“ Geniuses are privileged ; and I am not aware 
of any obstacle, if I am satisfied,” answered Heh 
wyze, with an imperious gesture, which seemed 
to put aside all objections. 

“ Do you seriously mean it, sir ? ” 


A MODERN MEPHIST OPHELES, 5 1 


“ I do.” 

“ But why such haste ? ” 

“ Because it is my pleasure.” 

“ 1 will not give up my liberty so soon,” cried 
the young man, with a mutinous flash of the 
eye. 

"I thought you had already given it up. If 
you choose to annul the agreement, do it, and 
go. You know the forfeit.” 

“ I forgot this possibility. Did I agree to obey 
in all things ? ” 

“ It was so set down in the bond. Entire 
obedience in return for the success you coveted. 
Have I failed in my part of the bargain ? ” 

“ No, sir ; no.” 

“ Then do yours, or let us cancel the bond, and 
part.” 

“ How can we ? What can I do without you ? 
Is there no way but this ? ” 

“ None.” 

Canaris looked dismayed, — and well he might, 
for it seemed impossible to put away the cup he 
had thirsted for, when its first intoxicating 
draught was at his lips. 

Helwyze had spoken with peculiar emphasis, 
and his words were full of ominous suggestion to 
the listener’s ear ; for he alone knew how much 


52 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELEb . 


rebellion would cost him, since luxury and fame 
were still dearer than liberty or honor. He sprung 
up, and paced the room, feeling like some wild 
creature caught in a snare. 

Helwyze, regardless of his chafing, went on 
calmly, as if to a willing hearer, eying him vigi- 
lantly the while, though now his own manner 
was as persuasive as it had been imperative be- 
fore. 

“ I ask no more than many parents do, and 
will give you my reasons for the demand, though 
that was not among the stipulations.” 

“A starving man does not stop to weigh 
words, or haggle about promises. I was des- 
perate, and you offered me salvation ; can you 
wonder that I clutched the only hand held out 
to me ? ” demanded Canaris, with a world of 
conflicting emotions in his expressive face, as 
he paused before his master. 

“ I am not speaking of the first agreement, 
that was brief as simple. The second bargain 
was a more complicated matter. You were 
not desperate then ; you freely entered into it, 
reaped the benefits of it, and now wish to 
escape the consequences of your own act. Is 
that fair ? ” 

“ How could I dream that you would exact 


A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 53 


such obedience as this ? I am too young ; it is 
a step that may change my whole life ; I must 
have time,” murmured Canaris, while a sud- 
den change passed over his whole face, his eye 
fell before the glance bent on him, as the other 
spoke. 

“It need not change your life, except to make 
it freer, perhaps happier. Hitherto you have had 
all the pleasure, now I desire my share. You 
often speak of gratitude ; prove it by granting 
my request, and, in adding a new solace to my 
existence, you will find you have likewise added 
a new charm to your own.” 

“It is so sudden, — I do desire to show my 
gratitude, — I have tried to do my part faith- 
fully so far,” began Canaris, as if a look, a word, 
had tamed his high spirit, and enforced docility 
sorely against his will. 

“ So far, I grant that, and I thank you for the 
service which I desire to lessen by the step 
you decline to take. I have spoilt you for use, 
but not for ornament. I still like to see you 
flourish; I enjoy your success; I cannot free 
you ; but I can give you a mate, who will take 
your place and amuse me at home, while you 
sing and soar abroad. Is that sufficiently poeti- 
cal for a poet’s comprehension ? ” and Helwyze 


54 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


smiled, that satiric smile of his, still watching 
the young man’s agitated countenance. 

“ But why need I marry ? Why cannot ” — 
there Canaris hesitated, for he lacked the courage 
to make the very natural suggestion Olivia had 
done. 

Helwyze divined the question on his lips, and 
answered it with stern brevity. 

“ That is impossible ; ” then added, with the 
sudden softening of tone which made his voice 
irresistibly seductive, “ I have given one reason 
for my whim : there are others, which affect you 
more nearly and pleasantly, perhaps. Little 
more than a year ago, your first book came out, 
making you famous for a time. You have en- 
joyed your laurels for a twelvemonth, and begin 
to sigh for more. The world has petted you, as 
it does any novelty, and expects to be paid for 
its petting, else it will soon forget you.” 

“No fear of that ! ” exclaimed the other, with 
the artless arrogance of youth. 

“ If I thought you would survive the experi- 
ment, I would leave you to discover what a 
fickle mistress you serve. But frost would soon 
blight your budding talent, so we will keep on 
the world’s sunny side, and tempt the Muse, not 
terrify her.” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 55 


Nothing could be smoother than the voice in 
which these words were said ; but a keen ear 
would have detected an accent of delicate irony 
in it, and a quick eye have seen that Canaris 
winced, as if a sore spot had been touched. 

“ I should think marriage would do that last, 
most effectually,” he answered, with a scornful 
shrug, and an air of great distaste. 

“ Not always : some geniuses are the better for 
such bondage. I fancy you are one of them, 
and wish to try the experiment. If it fails, you 
can play Byron, to your heart's content.” 

“ A costly experiment for some one.” Canaris 
paused in his impatient march, to look down 
with a glance of pity at the dead lily still knot- 
ted in his button-hole. 

Helwyze laughed at the touch of sentiment, — 
a low, quiet laugh ; but it made the young man 
flush, and hastily fling away the faded flower, 
whose pure loveliness had been a joy to him an 
hour ago. With a half docile, half defiant look, 
he asked coldly, — 

“ What next, sir.” 

“ Only this : you have done well. Now, you 
must do better, and let the second book be free 
from the chief fault which critics found, — that, 
though the poet wrote of love, it was evident he 
had never felt it.” 


56 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


“ Who shall say that ? ” with sudden warmth. 

“ I, for one. You know nothing of love, though 
you may flatter yourself you do. So far, it has 
been pretty play enough, but I will not have you 
waste yourself, or your time. You need inspir- 
ation, this will give it you. At your age, it is 
easy to love the first sweet woman brought near 
you, and almost impossible for any such to resist 
your wooing. An early marriage will not only 
give heart and brain a fillip, but add the new touch 
of romance needed to keep up the world’s inter- 
est in the rising star, whose mysterious advent 
piques curiosity as strongly as his work excites 
wonder and delight.” 

Composure and content had been gradually 
creeping back into the listener’s mien, as a 
skilful hand touched the various chords that 
vibrated most tunefully in a young, imagina- 
tive, ardent nature. Vivid fancy painted the 
“ sweet woman ” in a breath, quick wit saw at 
once the worldly wisdom of the advice, and am- 
bition found no obstacle impassable. 

“You are right, sir, I submit ; but I claim the 
privilege of choosing my inspirer,” he said, 
warily. 

“You have already chosen, if I am not much 
mistaken. A short wooing, but a sure one ; for 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. S7 


little Gladys has no coquetry, and will not keep 
you waiting for her answer.” 

“ Gladys is a child,” began Canaris, still hesi- 
tating to avow the truth. 

“ The fitter mate for you.” 

“ But, sir, you are mistaken : I do not love 
her.” 

“ Then, why teach her to love you ? ” 

“ I have not : I was only kind. Surely I 
cannot be expected to marry every young girl 
who blushes when I look at her,” he said, with 
sullen petulance, for women had spoilt the hand- 
some youth, and he was as ungrateful as such 
idols usually are. 

“ Then, who ? — ah ! I perceive ; I had forgot- 
ten that a boy’s first tendresse is too often for a 
woman twice his age. May I trouble you?” 
and Helwyze held up the empty glass with 
which he had been toying while he talked. 

Among the strew of books upon the table at 
his elbow stood an antique silver flagon, coolly 
frosted over by the iced wine it held. This 
Canaris obediently lifted ; and, as he stooped 
to fill the rosy bowl of the Venetian goblet, 
Helwyze leaned forward, till the two faces were 
so close that eye looked into eye, as he said, 
in one swift sentence, “ It was to win Olivia for 


58 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


yourself \ then, that you wooed Gladys for me> 
three hours ago ? ” 

The flagon was not heavy, but it shook in the 
young man’s grasp, and the wine overflowed the 
delicate glass, dyeing red the hand that held it. 
One face glowed with shame and anger ; the other 
remained unmoved, except a baffling smile upon 
the lips, that added, in mild reproach, — 

“ My Ganymede has lost his skill ; it is time I 
filled his place with a neat-handed Hebe. Make 
haste, and bring her to me soon.” 

Mutely Canaris removed all traces of the 
treacherous mishap, inwardly cursing his impru- 
dent confidences, wondering what malignant 
chance brought within ear-shot one who rarely 
left his own apartments at the other end of the 
villa; and conscious of an almost superstitious 
fear of this man, who read so surely, and dragged 
to light so ruthlessly, hidden hopes and half- 
formed designs. 

Vouchsafing no enlightenment, Helwyze 
sipped the cool draught with an air of satis- 
faction, continuing the conversation in a tone of 
exasperating calmness. 

“ Among other amusing fables with which 
you beguiled poor Gladys, I think you promised 
counsel and comfort. Keep your word, and 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. S9 


marry her. It is the least you can do, after 
destroying her faith in the one friend she pos- 
sessed. A pleasant, but a dangerous pastime, 
and not in the best taste ; let me advise you to 
beware of it in future.” 

There was a covert menace in the tone, a 
warning in the significant grip of the pale 
fingers round the glass, as if about to snap its 
slender stem. Canaris was white now with 
impotent wrath, and a thrill went through his 
vigorous young frame, as if the wild creature 
was about to break loose, and defy its captor. 

But the powerful eye was on him, with a 
spark of fire in its depths, and controlled till 
words, both sweet and bitter, soothed and won 
him. 

“ I know that any breath of tenderness would 
pass by Olivia as idly as the wind. You doubt 
this, and a word will prove it. I am not a 
tyrant, though I seem such ; therefore you are 
free to try your fate before you gratify my whim 
and make Gladys happy.” 

“You think the answer will be ‘No?’” and 
Canaris forgot every thing but the hope which 
tempted, even while reason told him it was vain. 

“ It always has been ; it always will be, if I 
know her.” 


60 A MODERN MEPHIST OPIIELES, 


“ Will be till you ask.” 

“ Rest easy ; I am done with love.” 

" But if she answers ‘ Yes * ? ” 

“ Then bid good-bye to peace, — and me.” 

The answer startled the young lover, and 
made him shrink from what he ardently desired ; 
for the new passion was but an enthralment of 
the senses, and he knew it by the fine instinct 
which permits such men to see and condemn 
their lower nature, even while yielding to its 
sway. 

But pride silenced doubt, and native courage 
made it impossible to shun the trial or accept 
the warning. His eye lit, his head rose, and he 
spoke out manfully, though unconsciously he 
wore the look of one who goes to lead a forlorn 
hope, — 

“ I shall try my fate to-night, and, if I fail, you 
may do what you like with me.” 

“ Not a coward, thank Heaven ! ” mused Hel- 
wyze, as he looked after the retreating figure 
with the contemptuous admiration one gives to 
any foolhardy enterprise bravely undertaken. 
“ He must have his lesson, and will be the tamer 
for it, unless Olivia takes me at my word, and 
humors the boy, for vengeance’ sake. That 
would be a most dramatic complication, and 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 6 1 


endanger my winter’s comfort seriously. Come, 
suspense is a new emotion ; I will enjoy it, and 
meantime make sure of Gladys, or I may be left 
in the lurch. A reckless boy and a disappointed 
woman are capable of any folly.” 


62 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES, 


V. 

T TELWYZE folded the black velvet paletdt 
A “ L about him, stroked the damp hair off his 
forehead, and, with hands loosely clasped behind 
his back, went walking slowly through the quiet 
house, to find the bright drawing-room and 
breezy balcony already deserted. 

No sound of voice or step gave him the clew 
he sought ; and, pausing in the hall, he stood a 
moment, his finger on his lip, wondering whither 
Gladys had betaken herself. 

“ Not with them, assuredly. Dreaming in the 
moonshine somewhere. I must look again.” 

Retracing his noiseless steps, he glanced here 
and there with eyes which nothing could escape, 
for trifles were significant to his quick wit ; and 
he found answers to unspoken queries in the 
relics the vanished trio left behind them. 
Olivia’s fan, flung down upon a couch, made him 
smile, as if he saw her toss it there when yield- 
ing half-impatiently to the entreaties of Canaris. 
An ottoman, pushed hastily aside, told where the 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 63 


young lover sat, till he beguiled her out to listen 
to the pleading which would wax eloquent and 
bold under cover of the summer night. The 
instrument stood open, a favorite song upon 
the rack, but the glimmering keys were mute ; 
and the wind alone was singing fitfully. A 
little hat lay in the window, as if ready to be 
caught up in glad haste when the summons 
came ; but the dew had dimmed the freshness 
of its azure ribbons, and there was a forlorn look 
about the girlish thing, which told the story of a 
timid hope, a silent disappointment. 

“ Where the deuce is the child ? ” and Helwyze 
cast an ireful look about the empty room ; for 
motion, wearied him, and any thwarting of his 
will was dangerous. Suddenly his eye bright- 
ened, and he nodded, as if well pleased ; for 
below the dark drapery that hung before an 
arch, a fold of softest white betrayed the wearer. 

“Now I have her ! ” he whispered, as if to 
some familiar ; and, parting the curtains, looked 
down upon the little figure sitting there alone, 
bathed in moonlight as purely placid as the face 
turned on him when he spoke. 

“Might one come in? The house seems 
quite deserted, and I want some charitable soul 
to say a friendly word to me.” 


04 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


“ Oh, yes ! What can I do, sir ? ” With the 
look of a suddenly awakened child, Gladys rose 
up, and involuntarily put out her hand as if to 
heap yet more commodiously the pillows of the 
couch which filled the alcove ; then paused, 
remembering what Canaris had told her of the 
invalid’s rejection of all sympathy, and stood 
regarding him with a shy, yet wistful glance, 
which plainly showed the impulse of her tender 
heart. 

Conscious that the surest way to win this 
simple creature was by submitting to be com- 
forted, — for in her, womanly compassion was 
stronger than womanly ambition, vanity, or 
interest, — Helwyze shed a reassuring smile 
upon her, as he threw himself down, exclaiming, 
with a sigh of satisfaction, doubly effective from 
one who so seldom owned the weariness that 
oppressed him, — 

“ Yes : you shall make me comfortable, if you 
kindly will ; the heat exhausts me, and I cannot 
sleep. Ah, this is pleasant! You have the gift 
of piling pillows for weary heads, Gladys. Now, 
let the moonlight make a picture of you, as it did 
before I spoilt it ; then I shall envy no man.” 

Pleased, yet abashed, the girl sank back into 
her place on the wide window ledge, and bent 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 65 


her face over the blooming linden spray that lay 
upon her lap, unconsciously making of herself 
a prettier picture than before. 

“Musing here alone? Not sorrowfully, I 
hope ? ” 

“ I never feel alone, sir, and seldom sorrowful.” 

“ 4 They never are alone that are accompanied 
with noble thoughts ; * yet it would not be un- 
natural if you felt both sad and solitary, so 
young, so isolated, in this big, bad world of ours.” 

“A beautiful and happy world to me, sir. 
Even loneliness is pleasant, because with it 
comes — liberty.” 

The last word fell from her lips involuntarily ; 
and, with a wonderfully expressive gesture, she 
lifted her arms as if some heavy fetter had 
newly dropped away. 

Ardent emphasis and forceful action both 
surprised and interested Helwyze, confirming 
his suspicion that this girlish bosom hid a spirit 
as strong as pure, capable of deep suffering, 
exquisite happiness, heroic effort. His eye 
shone, and he gave a satisfied nod ; for his first 
careless words had struck fire from the girl, 
making his task easier and more attractive. 

“ And how will you use this freedom ? A 
precious, yet a perilous, gift for such as you.” 


66 A MODERN MEPHIS T OPHELES. 


“ Can any thing so infinitely sweet and sacred 
be dangerous ? He who planted the longing 
for it here, and gave it me when most needed, 
will surely teach me how to use it. I have no 
fear.” 

The bent head was erect now ; the earnest face 
turned full on Helwyze with such serene faith 
shining in it, that the sneer died off his lips, 
and something like genuine compassion touched 
him, at the sight of such brave innocence tran- 
quilly confronting the unknown future. 

“ May nothing molest, or make afraid. While 
here, you are quite safe ; — you do, then, think of 
going?” he added, as a quick change arrested 
him. 

“ I do, sir, and soon. I only wait to see how, 
and where.” 

It was difficult to believe that so resolute a 
tone could come into a voice so gentle, or that 
lips whose shape was a smile could curl with 
such soft scorn. But both were there ; for the 
memory of that other woman’s story embittered 
even gratitude, since in the girl’s simple creed 
disloyalty to love was next to disloyalty to God. 

Helwyze watched her closely, while his fingers 
fell to tapping idly on the sofa scroll ; and the 
spark brightened under the lids that contracted 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 67 


with the intent expression of concentrated 
sight 

“ Perhaps I can show you how and when. 
May I ? ” he asked, assuming a paternal air, 
which inwardly amused him much. 

Gladys looked, hesitated, and a shade of per- 
plexity dimmed the clear brightness of her glance, 
as if vaguely conscious of distrust, and troubled 
by its seeming causelessness. 

Helwyze saw it, and quickly added the magic- 
al word which lulled suspicion, roused interest, 
and irresistibly allured her fancy. 

“ Pardon me ; I should not have ventured to 
speak, if Felix had not hinted that you began to 
weary of dependence, as all free spirits must; 
your own words confirm the hint ; and I desired 
to share my cousin’s pleasure in befriending, if 
I might, one who can so richly repay all obliga- 
tion. Believe me, Gladys, your voice is a treas- 
ure, which, having discovered, we want to share 
between us.” 

If the moonlight had been daybreak, the girl’s 
cheek could not have shown a rosier glow, as 
she half-averted it to hide the joy she felt at 
knowing Canaris had taken thought for her so 
soon. Her heart fluttered with tender hopes 
and fears, like a nestful of eager birds ; and, for- 


68 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


getting doubt in delight, she yielded to the lure 
held out to her. 

“You are most kind: I shall be truly grateful 
if you will advise me, sir. Mrs. Surry has done 
so much, I can ask no more, but rather hasten 
to relieve her of all further care of me.” 

“ She will be loth to lose you ; but the friend 
of whom I am about to speak needs you much, 
and can give you what you love better even 
than kindness, — independence.” 

“ Yes : that is what I long for ! I will do any 
thing for daily bread, if I may earn it honestly, 
and eat it in freedom,” leaning nearer, with 
clasped hands and eager look. 

“ Could you be happy to spend some hours of 
each day in reading, singing to, and amusing a 
poor soul, who sorely needs such pleasant com- 
forting ? ” 

“ I could. It would be very sweet to do it ; 
and I know how, excellently well, for I have had 
good training. My father was an invalid, and I 
his only nurse for years.” 

“ Fortunate for me in all ways,” thought Hel- 
wyze, finding another reason for his purpose ; 
while Gladys, bee-like, getting sweetness out of 
bitter-herbs, said to herself, “ Those weary 
years had their use, and are not wasted, as I 
feared.” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 69 


“I think these duties will not be difficult nor 
distasteful/* continued Helwyze, marking the 
effect of each attraction, as he mentioned it with 
modest brevity. “ It is a quiet place ; plenty of 
rare books to read, fine pictures to study, and 
music to enjoy ; a little clever society, to keep 
wits bright and enliven solitude; hours of leis- 
ure, and entire liberty to use them as you will. 
Would this satisfy you, Gladys, till something 
better can be found ? ” 

“ Better ! ” echoed the girl, with the expression 
of one who, having asked for a crust, is bidden 
to a feast. “ Ah, sir, it sounds too pleasant for 
belief. I long for all these lovely things, but 
never hoped to have them. Can I earn so 
much happiness ? Am I a fit companion for 
this poor lady, who must need the gentlest nurs- 
ing, if she suffers in the midst of so much to 
enjoy ? ” 

“ You will suit exactly ; have no fear of that, 
my good child. Just be your own happy, help- 
ful self, and you can make sunshine anywhere. 
We will talk more of this when you have turned 
it over in that wise young head of yours. Olivia 
may have some more attractive plan to offer.” 

But Gladys shook “the wise young head” 
with a decided air, as piquante as the sudden 
resolution in her artless voice. 


70 A MODERN ME PH/S T OPHELES. 


“ I shall choose for myself ; your plan pleases 
me better than any Mrs. Surry is likely to pro- 
pose. She says I must not work, but rest and 
enjoy myself. I will work ; I love it ; ease steals 
away my strength, and pleasure seems to dazzle 
me. I must be strong, for I have only myself to 
lean upon ; I must see clearly, for my only guide 
is my own conscience. I will think of your 
most kind offer, and be ready to accept it when- 
ever you like to try me, sir.” 

“ Thanks ; I like to try you now, then ; sit 
here and croon some drowsy song, to show how 
well you can lull wakeful senses into that blessed 
oblivion called sleep.” 

As he spoke, Helwyze drew a low seat beside 
the couch, and beckoned her to come and take 
it ; for she had risen as if to go, and he had no 
mind to be left alone yet. 

“ I am so pleased you asked me to do this, for 
it is my special gift. Papa was very stubborn, 
but he always had to yield, and often called 
me his ‘ sleep compeller.' Let me drop the 
curtain first, light is so exciting, and draws the 
insects. I shall keep them off with this pretty 
fan, and you will find the faint perfume sooth- 
ing.” 

Full of the sweetest good-will, Gladys leaned 


A MODERN MEPH1ST0PHELES. 7 1 


across the couch to darken the recess before 
the lullaby began. But Helwyze, feeling in a 
mood for investigation and experiment, arrested 
the outstretched hand, and, holding it in his, 
turned the full brilliance of his fine eyes on hers, 
asking with most seductive candor, — 

“ Gladys, if / were the friend of whom we 
spoke, would you come to me? You compel 
truth as well as sleep, and I cannot deceive you, 
while you so willingly serve me.” 

A moment she stood looking down into the 
singular countenance before her with a curious 
intentness in her own. A slight quickening of 
the breath was all the sign she gave of a con- 
sciousness of the penetrative glance fixed upon 
her, the close grasp of his hand ; otherwise un- 
embarrassed as a child, she regarded him with 
an expression maidenly modest, but quite com- 
posed. Helwyze keenly enjoyed these glimpses 
of the new character with which he chose to 
meddle, yet was both piqued and amused by 
her present composure, when the mere name of 
Felix filled her with the delicious shamefaced- 
ness of a first love. 

It was a little curious that during the instant 
the two surveyed each other, that, while the 
girl’s color faded, a light red tinged the man’s 


?2 A MODERN MEPHTST OPHELES. 


pale cheek, her eye grew clear and cold as his 
softened, and the small hand seemed to hold 
the larger by the mere contact of its passive 
fingers. 

Slow to arrive, the answer was both compre- 
hensive and significant, but very brief, for three 
words held it. 

“ Could I come ? ” 

Helwyze laughed with real enjoyment. 

“ You certainly have the gift of surprises, if no 
other, and it makes you charming, Gladys. I 
fancied you as unsophisticated as if you were 
eight, instead of eighteen, and here I find you 
as discreet as any woman of the world, — more 
so than many. Where did you learn it, child ? ” 

“ From myself ; I have no other teacher.” 

“ Ah ! ‘ instinct is a fine thing, my masters.’ 
You could not have a better guide. Rest easy, 
little friend, the proprieties shall be preserved, 
and you can come, if you decide to do me the 
honor. My old housekeeper is a most decorous 
and maternal creature, and into her keeping you 
will pass. Felix pleased me well, but his time 
is too valuable now ; and, selfish as I am, I hesi- 
tate to keep for my own comfort the man who 
can charm so many. Will you come, and take 
his place?” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 73 


Helwyze could not deny himself the pleasure 
of calling back the tell-tale color, for the blushes 
of a chaste woman are as beautiful as the bloom- 
ing of a flower. Quickly the red tide rose, even 
to the brow, the eyes fell, the hand thrilled, and 
the steady voice faltered traitorously, “I could 
not fill it, sir.” 

Still detaining her, that he might catch the 
sweet aroma of an opening heart, Helwyze 
added, as the last temptation to this young Eve, 
whom he was beguiling out of the safe garden 
of her tranquil girlhood into the unknown world 
of pain and passion, waiting for womankind 
beyond, — 

“Not for my own sake alone do I want you, 
but for his. Life is full of perils for him, and he 
needs a home. I cannot make one for him, ex- 
cept in this way, for my house is my prison, and 
he wearies of it naturally. But I can give it a 
new charm, add a never-failing attraction, and 
make it homelike by a woman’s presence. Will 
you help me in this ? ” 

“ I am not wise enough ; Mrs. Surry is often 
with you: surely she could make it homelike 
far better than I,” stammered Gladys, chilled 
by a sudden fear, as she remembered Canaris' 
face as he departed with Olivia an hour ago. 

4 


74 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


“ Pardon ; that is precisely what she cannot 
do. Such women weary while they dazzle, the 
gentler sort win while they soothe. We shall 
see less of her in future ; it is not well for Felix. 
Take pity on me, at least, and answer ‘ Yes.’ ” 

“ I do, sir.” 

“ How shall I thank you ? ” and Helwyze 
kissed the hand as he released it, leaving a little 
thorn of jealousy behind to hoodwink prudence, 
stimulate desire, and fret the inward peace that 
was her best possession. 

Glad to take refuge in music, the girl as- 
sumed her seat, and began to sing dreamily to 
the slow waving of the green spray. Helwyze 
feigned to be courting slumber, but from the 
ambush of downcast lids he stole sidelong glances 
at the countenance so near his own, that he could 
mark the gradual subsiding of emotion, the slow 
return of the repose which made its greatest 
charm for him. And so well did he feign, that 
presently, as if glad to see her task successfully 
ended, Gladys stole away to the seclusion of her 
own happy thoughts. 

Busied with his new plans and purposes, Hel- 
wyze waited till his patience was rewarded by 
seeing the face of Canaris appear at the window, 
glance in, and vanish as silently as it came. But 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 75 


one look was enough, and in that flash of time 
the other read how the rash wooing had sped, 
or thought he did, till Olivia came sweeping 
through the room, flung wide the curtains, and 
looked in with eyes as brilliant as if they had 
borrowed light of the fire-flies dancing there 
without. 

“A fan, a cigarette, a scarlet flower behind 
the ear, and the Spanish donna would be quite 
perfect,” he said, surveying with lazy admiration 
the richly colored face, which looked out from 
the black lace, wrapped mantilla-wise over the 
dark hair and whitely gleaming arms. 

“ Is the snowdrop gone ? Then I will come 
in, and hear how the new handmaid suits. I 
saw her at her pleasing task.” 

“ So well that I should like to keep her at it 
long and often. Where is Felix ? ” 

His words, his look, angered Olivia, and she 
answered with smiling ambiguity, — 

“ Out of his misery, at last.” 

“ Cruel as ever. I told him it would be so.” 

“ On the contrary, I have been kind, as I 
promised to be.” 

“ Then his face belied him.” 

“ Would it please you, if I had ventured to 
forestall your promised gift, and accepted all 


76 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES 


Felix has to offer me, himself. I have my 
whims, like you, and follow them as recklessly. ,, 

Helwyze knit his brows, but answered negli- 
gently, “Folly never pleases me. It will be 
amusing to see which tires first. I shall miss 
him ; but his place is already filled, and Gladys 
has the charm of novelty.” 

“ You have spoken, then ? ” 

“ Forewarned, forearmed ; I have her promise, 
and Felix can go when he likes.” 

Olivia paled, dropped her mask, and exclaimed 
in undisguised alarm, — 

“ There is no need : I have no thought of such 
folly ! My kindness to Felix was the sparing 
him an avowal, which was simply absurd. A 
word, a laugh, did it, for ridicule cures more 
quickly and surely than compassion.” 

“ I thought so. Why try to fence with me, 
Madama ? you always get the worst of it,” and 
Helwyze made the green twig whistle through 
the air with a sharp turn of the wrist, as he rose 
to go ; for these two, bound together by a mutual 
wrong, seldom met without bitter words, the 
dregs of a love which might have blest them 
both. 

He found Felix waiting for him, in a somewhat 
haughty mood ; Olivia having judged wisely that 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 77 


ridicule, though a harsh, was a speedy cure for 
the youthful delusion, which had been fostered 
by the isolation in which they lived, and the 
ardent imagination of a poet. 

“You were right, sir. What are your com- 
mands?” he asked, controlling disappointment, 
pique, and unwillingness with a spirit that won 
respect and forbearance even from Helwyze, 
who answered with a cordial warmth, as rare 
as charming, — 

“ I have none : the completion of my wish I 
leave to you. Consult your own time and 
pleasure, and, when it is happily accomplished, 
be assured I shall not forget that you have 
shown me the obedience of a son.” 

Quick as a child to be touched, and won by 
kindness, Canaris flushed with grateful feeling 
and put out his hand impulsively, as he had 
done when selling his liberty, for now he was 
selling his love. 

“ Forgive my waywardness. I will be guided 
by you, for I owe you my life, and all the happi- 
ness I have known in it. Gladys shall be a 
daughter to you; but give me time — I must 
teach myself to forget.” 

His voice broke as he stumbled over the last 
words, for pride was sore, and submission hard. 


78 A MODERN MEPHIST OPHELES. 


But Helwyze soothed the one and softened the 
other by one of the sympathetic touches which 
occasionally broke from him, proving that the 
man’s heart, was not yet quite dead. Laying 
his hand upon the young man’s shoulder, he 
said in a tone which stirred the hearer deeply, — 
“ I feared this pain was in store for you, but 
could not save you from it. Accept the gentle 
comforter I bring you, for I have known the 
same pain, and I had no Gladys.” 


A MODERN MEP HIS T OPHELES. 79 


VI. 

CO the days went by, fast and fair in outward 
seeming, while an undercurrent of unquiet 
emotion rolled below. Helwyze made no sign of 
impatience, but silently forwarded his wish, by 
devoting himself to Olivia ; thereby making a 
green oasis in the desert of her life, and leaving 
the young pair to themselves. 

At first, Canaris shunned every one as much 
as possible ; but sympathy, not solitude, was the 
balm he wanted, and who could give it him 
so freely as Gladys? Her mute surprise and 
doubt and grief at this capricious coldness, after 
such winning warmth, showed him that the 
guileless heart was already his, and added a 
soothing sense of power to the reluctance and 
regret which by turns tormented him. 

Irresistibly drawn by the best instincts of a 
faulty but aspiring nature to that which was 
lovely, true, and pure, he soon returned, to 
Gladys, finding in her sweet society a refresh- 
ment and repose Olivia’s could never give him. 


80 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


Love he did not feel, but affection, the more help- 
ful for its calmness ; confidence, which was given 
again fourfold ; and reverence, daily deepening as 
time showed him the gentle strength and crys- 
tal clarity of the spirit he was linking to his 
own by ties which death itself could not 
sever. But the very virtues which won, also 
made him hesitate, though rash enough when 
yielding to an attraction far less noble. A sense 
of unworthiness restrained him, even when re- 
luctance had passed from resignation to some- 
thing like desire, and he paused, as one might, 
who longed to break a delicate plant, yet delayed, 
lest it should wither too quickly in his hand. 

Helwyze and Olivia watched this brief wooing 
with peculiar interest. She, being happy herself, 
was full of good hope for Gladys, and let her step, 
unwarned, into the magic circle drawn around 
her. He sat as if at a play, enjoying the pretty 
pastoral enacted before him, content to let 
“summer and seclusion” bring the young pair 
together as naturally and easily as spring-time 
mates the birds. Suspense gave zest to the 
new combination, surprise added to its flavor, 
and a dash of danger made it unusually attract- 
ive to him. 

Canaris came to him one day, with a resolute 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 8l 


expression on his face, which rendered it noble, 
as well as beautiful. 

“ Sir, I will not do this thing ; I dare not.” 

“ Dare not ! Is cowardice to be added to dis- 
obedience and falsehood ? ” and Helwyze looked 
up from his book with a contemptuous frown. 

“ I will not be sneered out of my purpose ; for 
I never did a braver, better act than when I say 
to you, ‘ I dare not lie to Gladys.’ ” 

“What need of lying? Surely you love her 
now, or you are a more accomplished actor than 
I thought you.” 

“I have tried, — tried too faithfully for her 
peace, I fear ; but, though I reverence her as an 
angel, I do not love her as a woman. How can 
I look into her innocent, confiding face, and tell 
her, — she who is all truth, — that I love as she 
does ? ” 

“ Yet that is the commonest, most easily for- 
given falsehood a man can utter. Is it so hard 
for you to deceive ? ” 

Quick and deep rose the hot scarlet to Canaris’s 
face, and his eyes fell, as if borne down by the 
emphasis of that one word. But the sincerity of 
his desire brought courage even out of shame ; 
and, lifting his head with a humility more im 
pressive than pride or anger, he said, steadily, — 

4* F 


82 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


“If this truth redeems that falsehood, I shall, 
at least, have recovered my own self-respect. I 
never knew that I had lost it, till Gladys showed 
me how poor I was in the virtue which makes 
her what she is.” 

“ What conscientious qualm is this ? Where 
would this truth-telling bring you ? How would 
your self-respect bear the knowledge that you had 
broken the girl’s heart ? for, angel as you call 
her, she has one, and you have stolen it.” 

“ At your bidding.” 

“ Long before I thought of it. Did you im- 
agine you could play with her, to pique Olivia, 
without harm to Gladys ? Is yours a face to 
smile on a woman, day after day, and not teach 
her to love ? In what way but this can you atone 
for such selfish thoughtlessness ? Come, if we 
are to talk of honor and honesty, do it fairly, and 
not shift the responsibility of your acts upon my 
shoulders.” 

“ Have I done that ? I never meant to trouble 
her. Is there no way out of it but this ? Oh, 
sir, I am not fit to marry her! What am I, to 
take a fellow-creature’s happiness into my hands ? 
What have I to offer her but the truth in return 
for her love, if I must take it to secure her 
peace ? ” 


A MODERN M EPH 1 S T OPHELES. 83 


“ If you offer the truth, you certainly will have 
nothing else, and not even receive love in return, 
perhaps ; for her respect may go with all the 
rest. If I know her, the loss of that would wound 
her heart more deeply than the disappointment 
your silence will bring her now. Think of this, 
and be wise as well as generous in the atonement 
you should make.” 

“ Bound, whichever way I look ; for when I 
meant to be kindest I am cruel.” 

Canaris stood perplexed, abashed, remorseful ; 
for Helwyze had the art to turn even his virtues 
into weapons against him, making his new-born 
regard for Gladys a reason for being falsely true, 
dishonorably tender. The honest impulse sud- 
denly looked weak and selfish, compassion seemed 
nobler than sincerity, and present peace better 
than future happiness. 

Helwyze saw that he was wavering, and turned 
the scale by calling to his aid one of the strong- 
est passions that rule men, — the spirit of rivalry, 
— knowing well its power over one so young, sg 
vain and sensitive. 

“ Felix, there must be an end of this ; I am 
tired of it. Since you are more enamoured of 
truth than Gladys, choose, and abide by it. I 
shall miss my congenial comrade, but I will not 


84 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


keep him if he feels my friendship slavery. I 
release you from all promises : go your way, in 
peace ; I can do without you.” 

A daring offer, and Helwyze risked much in 
making it ; but he knew the man before him, and 
that in seeming to set free, he only added another 
link to the invisible chain by which he held him. 
Canaris looked relieved, amazed, and touched, as 
he exclaimed, incredulously, — 

“ Do you mean it, sir ? ” 

“ I do ; but in return for your liberty I claim 
the right to use mine as I will.” 

“ Use it ? I do not understand.” 

“To comfort Gladys.” 

“ How?” 

“You do not love her, and leave her doubly 
forlorn, since you have given her a glimpse of 
love. I must befriend her, as you will not ; and 
when she comes to me, as she has promised, if 
she is happy, I shall keep her.” 

“As ft lie adoptive'' 

Canaris affirmed, not asked, this ; and, in the 
changed tone, the suspicious glance, Helwyze 
saw that he had aimed well. With a smile that 
was a sneer, he answered coldly, — 

“ Hardly that : the paternal* element is sadly 
lacking in me ; and, if it were not, I fear a man 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 85 


of forty could not adopt a girl of eighteen with- 
out compromising her, especially one so lonely 
and so lovely as poor little Gladys.” 

“You will marry her? Yet when I hinted it, 
you said, ‘ Impossible ! ’ ” 

“ I did ; but then I did not know how helpful 
she could be, how glad to love, how easy to be 
won by kindness. Ennui drives one to do the 
rashest things ; and when you are gone, I shall 
find it difficult to fill your place. ’Tis a pity to 
tie the pretty creature to such a clod. But, if I 
can help and keep her in no other way, I may do 
it, remembering that her captivity would be a 
short one ; it should be my care that it was 
a very light one while it lasted.” 

“ But she loves me ! ” exclaimed Canaris, with 
jealous inconsistency. 

“ I fear so ; yet you reject her for a scruple. 
Hearts are easily caught in the rebound ; and 
who will hold hers more gently than I ? Olivia 
will tell you I can be gentle when it suits me.” 

The name stung Canaris, where pride was 
sorest; and the thought, that this man could 
take from him both the woman whom he loved 
and the girl who loved him, roused an ignoble 
desire to silence the noble one. He showed it 
instantly, for his eye shot a quick glance at the 


86 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


mirror ; a smile that was almost insolent passed 
over his face ; and his air was full of the proud 
consciousness of youth, health, comeliness, and 
talent. 

“ Thanks for my freedom ; I shall know how 
to use it. Since I may tell Gladys the truth, I 
do not dread her love so much ; and will atone 
generously, if I can. I think she will accept 
poverty with me rather than luxury with you. 
At least she shall have her choice.” 

“Well said. You will succeed, since you 
possess all the gifts which win women except 
wealth and” — 

“ Stop ! you shall not say it,” cried Canaris, 
hotly. “ Are you possessed of a devil, that you 
torment me so?” He clenched his hands, and 
walked fast through the room, as if to escape 
from some fierce impulse. 

A certain, almost brutal, frankness charac- 
terized the intercourse of these men at times; 
for the tie between them was a peculiar one, and 
fretted both, though both clung to it with strange 
tenacity. With equal candor and entire com- 
posure Helwyze answered the excited question. 

“ We are all possessed, more or less ; happy 
the man who is master. My demon is a bad 
one ; for your intellectual devil is hard to manage, 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 87 


since he demands the best of us, and is not satis- 
fied or cheated as easily as some that are stronger, 
yet less cunning. Yours is ambition, — an insa- 
tiable fellow, who gives you no rest. I had a 
fancy to help you rule him ; but he proves less 
interesting that I thought to find him, and is 
getting to be a bore. See what you can do, 
alone; only, when he gets the upper hand again, 
excuse me from interfering : once is enough.” 

Canaris made no reply, but dashed out of the 
room, as if he could bear no more, leaving Hel- 
wyze to throw down his book, muttering impa- 
tiently, — 

“ Here is a froward favorite, and excitement 
with a vengeance ! He will not speak yet ; for 
with all his fire he is wary, and while he fumes I 
must work. But how ? but how ? ” 


88 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


VII. 



STORM raged all that night ; but dawn 


“*■ ■*" came up so dewy and serene, that the 
world looked like a child waking after anger, 
with happy smiles upon its lips, penitential tears 
in its blue eyes. 

Canaris was early astir, after a night as stormy 
within as without, during which he had gone 
through so many alternations of feeling, that, 
weary and still undecided, he was now in the 
mood to drift whithersoever the first eddy im- 
pelled him. Straight to Gladys, it seemed ; and, 
being superstitious, he accepted the accident as 
a good omen, following his own desire, and call- 
ing it fate. 

Wandering in the loneliest, wildest spot of all 
the domain, he came upon her as suddenly as if 
a wish had brought her to the nook haunted for 
both by pleasant memories. Dew-drenched her 
feet, hatless her head ; but the feet stood firmly 
on the cliff which shelved down to the shore 
below, and the upturned head shone bright 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 89 


against the deep blue of the sky. Morning 
peace dwelt in her eyes, morning freshness 
glowed on her cheek, and her whole attitude 
was one of unconscious aspiration, as she stood 
there with folded hands and parted lips, drink- 
ing in the storm-cooled breeze that blew vigor 
ous and sweet across the lake. 

“What are you doing here so early, little 
dryad ? ” and Canaris paused, with an almost 
irresistible desire to put out his arms and hold 
her, lest she fly away, so airy was her perch, 
so eager her look into the boundless distance 
before her. 

“ Only being happy ! ” and she looked down 
into his face with such tender and timid joy in 
her own, he hardly had need to ask, — 

“ Why, Gladys ? ” 

“ Because of this,” showing a string of pearls 
that hung from her hand, half-hidden among the 
trailing bits of greenery gathered in her walk. 

“ Who gave you that ? ” demanded Canaris, 
eying it with undisguised surprise ; for the 
pearls were great, globy things, milk-white, and 
so perfect that any one but Gladys would have 
seen how costly was the gift. 

“ Need you ask ? ” she said, blushing brightly 

“ Why not ? Do you suspect me?” 


90 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


“ You cannot deceive me by speaking roughly 
and looking stern. Who but you would put 
these in my basket without a word, and let me 
find them there when I laid my work away 
last night ? I was so pleased, so proud, I could 
not help keeping them, though far too beautiful 
for me.” 

Then Canaris knew who had done it ; and his . 
hand tightened over the necklace, while his eye 
went towards the lake, as if he longed to throw 
it far into the water. He checked himself, and, 
turning it about with a disdainful air, said, 
coldly, — 

“ If I had given you this, it should have been 
quite perfect. The cross is not large nor fine 
enough to match the chain. Do you see ? ” 

“ Ah, but the little cross is more precious 
than all the rest ! That is the one jewel my 
mother left me, and I put it there to make my 
rosary complete ; ” and Gladys surveyed it with a 
pretty mixture of devout affection and girlish 
pleasure. 

“ I’ll give you a better one than this, — a string 
of tiny carved saints in scented wood, blessed 
by holy hands, and fit to say prayers like yours 
upon. You will take it, though my gift is not 
half so costly as his ? ” he said, eagerly. 


A MODERN MEPHIST OPHELES. 9 1 


“Whose?” 

“ Helwyze gave you that.” 

“But why?” and Gladys opened wide her 
clear, large eyes in genuine astonishment. 

“ He is a generous master ; your singing 
pleases him, and he pays you so,” replied Ca- 
naris, bitterly. 

“ He is not my master ! ” 

“ He will be.” 

“Never ! I shall not go, if I am to be burdened 
with benefits. I will earn my just due, but not 
be overpaid. Tell him so.” 

Gladys caught back the chain, unclasped the 
cross, and threw the pearls upon the grass, where 
they lay, gleaming, like great drops of frozen dew, 
among the green. Canaris liked that ; thought 
proudly, “ I have no need to bribe ; ” and has- 
tened to make his own the thing another seemed 
to covet. Drawing nearer, he looked up, asking, 
in a tone that gave the question its true mean- 
ing,— 

“ May I be your master, Gladys ? ” 

“ Not even you.” 

“ Your slave, then ? ” 

“ Never that.” 

“ Your lover ? ” 

“ Yes.” 


92 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


“ But I can give you nothing except myself.” 

“ Love is enough ; ” and finding his arms 
about her, his face, warm and wistful, close to 
hers, Gladys bent to give and take the first kiss, 
which was all they had to bestow upon each 
other. 

Singularly unimpassioned was the embrace in 
which they stood for a brief instant. Canaris 
held her with a clasp more jealous than fond ; 
Gladys clung to him, yet trembled, as if some 
fear subdued her joy ; and both vaguely felt the 
incompleteness of a moment which should be 
perfect. 

“You do love me, then?” she whispered, 
wondering at his silence. 

“ Should I ask you to be my wife if I did not ? ” 
and the stern look melted into an expression of 
what seemed, to her, reproach. 

“ No ; ah, no ! I fancied that I might have 
deceived myself. I am so young, you are so kind. 
I never had a — friend before ; ” and Gladys 
smiled shyly, as the word which meant “ lover ” 
dropped from her lips. 

“ I am not kind : I am selfish, cruel, perhaps, 
to let you love me so. You will never reproach 
me for it, Gladys ? I mean to save you from ills 
you know nothing of ; to cherish and protect you 
— if I can.” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 93 


Verily in earnest now ; for the touch of those 
innocent lips reminded him of all his promise 
meant, recalled his own unfitness to guide or 
guard another, when so wayward and unwise 
himself. Gladys could not understand the true 
cause of his beseeching look, his urgency of tone ; 
but saw in them only the generous desire to keep 
safe the creature dearest to him, and loved him 
the more for it. 

“ I never can think you selfish, never will re- 
proach you but will love and trust and honor 
you all my life,” she answered, with a simplicity 
as solemn as sincere ; and, holding out the hand 
that held her dead mother’s cross, Canaris 
pledged his troth upon it with the mistaken 
chivalry which makes many a man promise to 
defend a woman against all men but himself. 

“ Now you can be happy again,” he said, feel- 
ing that he had done his best to keep her so. 

She thought he meant look out upon the lake, 
dreaming of him as when he found her ; and, turn- 
ing, stretched forth her arms as if to embrace 
the whole world, and tell the smiling heaven her 
glad secret. 

“ Doubly happy ; then I only hoped, now I 
know ! ” 

Something in the exultant gesture, the fervent 


94 A MODERN MEP HIS T UPHELES. 


tone, the radiant face, thrilled Canaris with a 
sudden admiration ; a feeling of proud possession ; 
a conviction that he had gained, not lost ; and 
he said within himself, — 

“ I am glad I did it. I will cherish her ; she 
will inspire me ; and good shall come out of seem- 
ing evil.” 

His spirits rose with a new sense of well-being 
and well-doing. He gathered up the rejected 
treasure, and gave it back to Gladys, saying 
lightly, — 

“ You may keep it as a wedding-gift ; then he 
need give no other. He meant it so, perhaps, 
and it will please him. Will you, love ? ” 

“ If you ask it. But why must brides wear 
pearls ? They mean tears,” she added, thought- 
fully, as she received them back. 

“ Perhaps because then the sorrows of their 
lives begin. Yours shall not : I will see to that,” 
he promised, with the blind confidence of the 
self-sacrificing mood he was in. 

Gladys sat down upon the rock to explore a 
pocket, so small and empty that Canaris could 
not help smiling, as he, too, leaned and looked 
with a lover’s freedom. 

“ Only my old chain. I must put back the 
cross, else I shall lose it,” laughed Gladys, as she 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 95 


brought out a little cord of what seemed woven 
yellow silk. 

“ Is it your hair ? ” he asked, his eye caught 
by its peculiar sunshiny hue. 

“ Yes ; I could not buy a better one, so I made 
this. My hair is all the gold I have.” 

“ Give it to me, and you wear mine. See, I 
have an amulet as well as you.” 

Fumbling in his breast, Canaris undid a 
slender chain, whence hung a locket, curiously 
chased, and tarnished with long wear. This he 
unslung, and, opening, showed Gladys the faded 
picture of a beautiful, sad woman. 

“ That is my Madonna.” 

“ Your mother ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ Mine now.” The girl touched it with her 
lips, then softly closed and laid it on her lap. 

Silently Canaris stood watching her, as she 
re-slung both poor but precious relics, while the 
costlier one slipped down, as if ashamed to lie 
beside them. He caught and swung it on his 
finger, thinking of something he had lately read 
to Helwyze. 

“ Kharsu, the Persian, sent a necklace to 
Schirin, the princess, whom he loved. She was 
a Christian, and hung a cross upon his string 
of pearls, as you did,” he said aloud. 


96 A MODERN ME PH/S T OPHELE 6 . 


“ But I am not a princess, and Mr. Helwyze 
does not love me ; so the pretty story is all 
spoiled.” 

“ This thing recalled it. / have given you a 
necklace, and you are hanging a cross upon it. 
Wear the one, and use the other, for my sake. 
Will you, Gladys ? ” 

“ Did Schirin convert Kharsu ? ” asked the 
girl, catching his thought more from his face 
than his words; for it wore a look of mingled 
longing and regret, which she had never seen 
before. 

“ That I do not know ; but you must convert 
me : I am a sad heathen, Helwyze says.” 

“ Has he tried ? ” 

“ No.” 

" Then I will!” 

“You see I’ve had no one to teach me any 
thing but worldly wisdom, and I sometimes feel 
as I should be better for a little of the heavenly 
sort. So when you wear the rosary I shall give 
you — * Fair saint, in your orisons be all my sins 
remembered ; * ” and Canaris put his hand upon 
her head, smiling, as if half-ashamed of his 
request. 

“ I am no Catholic, but I will pray for you, 
and you shall not be lost. The mother in 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 97 


heaven and the wife on earth will keep you 
safe,” whispered Gladys, in her fervent voice, 
feeling and answering with a woman’s quickness 
the half-expressed desire of a nature conscious 
of its weakness, yet unskilled in asking help for 
its greatest need. 

Silently the two young lovers put on their 
amulets, and, hand in hand, went back along the 
winding path, till they reached the great eglan- 
tine that threw its green arches across the out- 
let from the wood. All beyond was radiantly 
bright and blooming ; and as Canaris, passing 
first to hold back the thorny boughs, stood an 
instant, bathed in the splendor of the early sun- 
shine, Gladys exclaimed, her face full of the 
tender idolatry of a loving woman, — 

“ O Felix, you are so good, so great, so 
beautiful, if it were not wicked, I should worship 
you ! ” 

“ God forbid ! Do not love me too much, 
Gladys: I do not deserve it.” 

“ How can I help it, when I feel very like the 
girl who lost her heart to the Apollo ? ” she 
answered, feeling that she never could love too 
much . 

“ And broke her heart, you remember, because 
her god was only a stone.” 

5 G 


98 A MODERN MEP HIS T OPHELES. 


“ Mine is not, and he will answer when I call.” 

“ If he does not, he will be harder and colder 
than the marble ! ” 

When Canaris, some hours later, told Hel- 
wyze, he looked well pleased, thinking, “Jeal- 
ousy is a helpful ally. I do not regret calling 
in its aid, though it has cost Olivia her pearls.” 
Aloud he said, with a gracious air, which did not 
entirely conceal some secret anxiety, — 

“ Then you have made a clean breast of it, and 
she forgives all peccadilloes ? ” 

“ I have not told her ; and I will not, till I have 
atoned for the meanest of them. May I ask you 
to be silent also for her sake ? ” 

‘You are wise.” Then, as if glad to throw 
off all doubt and care, he asked, in a pleasantly 
suggestive tone, — 

“ The wedding will soon follow the wooing, I 
imagine, for you make short work of matters, 
when you do begin ? ” 

“You told me to execute your wish in my 
own way. I will do so, without troubling Mrs. 
Surry, or asking you to give us your blessing, 
since playing the father to orphans is distasteful 
to you.” 

Very calm and cool was Canaris now ; but a 
sense of wrong burned at his heart, marring the 


A MODERN MEP HIS TOP HE L ES. 99 


satisfaction he felt in having done what he be- 
lieved to be a just and generous act. 

“ It is ; but I will assume the character long 
enough to suggest, nay, insist , that however hasty 
and informal this marriage may be, you will take 
care that it is one.” 

“ Do you mean that for a hint or a warning, 
sir ? I have lied and stolen by your advice ; shall 
I also betray? ” asked Canaris, white with indig- 
nation, and something like fear ; for he began to 
feel that whatever this man commanded he must 
do, spite of himself. 

“ Strong language, Felix. But I forgive it, 
since I am sincere in wishing well to Gladys. 
Marry when and how you please, only do not 
annoy me with another spasm of virtue. It is a 
waste of time, you see, for the thing is done.” 

“ Not yet ; but soon will be, for you are fast 
curing me of a too tender conscience.” 

“ Faster than you think, my Faust ; since to 
marry without love betrays as surely as to love 
without marriage,” said Helwyze to himself, ex- 
pressing in words the thought that had restrained 
the younger, better man. 

A week later, Canaris came in with Gladys 
on his arm, looking very like a bride in a little 
bonnet tied with white, and a great nosegay 


IOO A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES . 


of all the sweet, pale flowers blooming in the 
garden that first Sunday of September. 

“ Good-bye, sir ; we are going.” 

“ Where, may I ask ? To church ? ” 

“ We have been ; ” and Canaris touched the 
ungloved hand that lay upon his arm, showing 
the first ring it had ever worn. 

“Ah! then I can only say, Heaven bless 
you, Gladys ; a happy honeymoon, Felix, and 
welcome home when — you are tired of each 
other.” 


A MODERN M EPHIST OPHELES. 101 


VIII. 

“ T TOME at last, thank Heaven!” exclaimed 
Canaris, as the door opened, letting 
forth a stream of light and warmth into the 
chilly gloom of the October night. Gladys made 
no answer but an upward look, which seemed to 
utter the tender welcome he had forgotten to 
give ; and, nestling her hand in his, let him lead 
her through the bright hall, up the wide stair- 
way to her own domain. 

“As we return a little before our time, we 
must not expect a jubilee. Look about you, 
love, and rest. I will send Mrs. Bland pres- 
ently, and tell Helwyze we are come.” 

He hurried away, showing no sign of the 
ennui which had fitfully betrayed itself during the 
last week. Gladys watched him wistfully, then 
turned to see what home was like, with eyes 
that brightened beautifully as they took in the 
varied charms of the luxurious apartments pre- 
pared for her. The newly kindled light filled 
the room with a dusky splendor; for deepest 


102 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


crimson glowed everywhere, making her feel as 
if she stood in the heart of a great rose whose 
silken petals curtained her round with a color, 
warmth, and fragrance which would render sleep 
a “rapture of repose.” Womanlike, she enjoyed 
every dainty device and sumptuous detail; yet 
the smile of pleasure was followed by a faint 
sigh, as if the new magnificence oppressed her, 
or something much desired had been forgotten. 

Stepping carefully, like one who had no right 
there, she passed on to a charming drawing- 
room, evidently intended for but two occupants, 
and all the pleasanter to her for that suggestion. 
Pausing on the threshold of another door, she 
peeped in, expecting to find one of those scented, 
satin boudoirs, which are fitter for the coquet- 
ries of a Parisian belle, than for a young wife to 
hope and dream and pray in. 

But there was no splendor here ; and, with a 
cry of glad surprise, its new owner took posses- 
sion, wondering what gentle magic had guessed 
and gathered here the simple treasures she 
best loved. White everywhere, except the pale 
green of the softly tinted walls, and the mossy 
carpet strewn with mimic snowdrops. A sheaf 
of lilies in a silver vase stood on the low chim- 
ney-piece above the hearth, where a hospitable 


A MODERN MEPH/STOPHELES. 103 


fire lay ready to kindle at a touch ; and this 
was the only sign of luxury the room displayed. 
Quaint furniture, with no ornament except its 
own grace or usefulness, gave the place a home- 
like air ; and chintz hangings, fresh and delicate as 
green leaves scattered upon snow could make 
them, seemed to shut out the world, securing 
the sweet privacy a happy woman loves. 

Gladys felt this instantly, and, lifting her hand 
to draw the pretty draperies yet closer, discov- 
ered a new surprise, which touched her to the 
heart. Instead of looking out into the darkness 
of the autumn night, she found a little woodland 
nook imprisoned between the glass-door and the 
deep window beyond. A veritable bit of the 
forest, with slender ferns nodding in their sleep, 
hardy vines climbing up a lichened stump to 
show their scarlet berries, pine-needles pricking 
through the moss, rough arbutus leaves hiding 
coyly till spring should freshen their russet 
edges, acorns looking as if just dropped by 
some busy squirrel, and all manner of humble 
weeds, growing here as happily as when they 
carpeted the wood for any careless foot to tread 
upon. 

These dear familiar things were as grateful 
to Gladys as the sight of friendly faces ; and, 


104 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


throwing wide the doors, she knelt down to 
breathe with childish eagerness the damp, fresh 
odors that came out to meet her. 

“ How sweet of him to make such a lovely nest 
for me, and then slip away before I could thank 
him,” thought the tender-hearted creature, with 
tears in the eyes that dwelt delightedly upon the 
tremulous maiden-hair bending to her touch, 
and the sturdy grasses waking up in this new 
summer. 

A sound of opening doors dispelled her rev- 
erie ; and with girlish trepidation she hastened 
to smooth the waves of her bright hair, assume 
the one pretty dress she would accept from 
Olivia, and clasp the bridal pearls about her 
neck ; then hastened down before the somewhat 
dreaded Mrs. Bland appeared. 

It pleased her to go wandering alone through 
the great house, warmed and lighted every- 
where; for Helwyze made this his world, and 
gathered about him every luxury which taste, 
caprice, or necessity demanded. A marvellously 
beautiful and varied home it seemed to simple 
Gladys, as she passed from picture-gallery to 
music-room, eyed with artless wonder the sub- 
dued magnificence of the salon , or paused en- 
chanted in a conservatory whose crystal walls 
enclosed a fairyland of bloom and verdure. 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 105 


Here and there she came upon some charac- 
teristic whim or arrangement, which made her 
smile with amusement, or sigh with pity, re- 
membering the recluse who tried to cheer his 
solitude by these devices. One recess held a 
single picture glowing with the warm splendor 
of the ’East. A divan, a Persian rug, an amber- 
mouthed nargileh , and a Turkish coffee service, 
all gold and scarlet, completed the illusion. In 
another shadowy nook tinkled a little fountain 
guarded by one white-limbed nymph, who seemed 
to watch with placid interest the curious sea- 
creatures peopling the basin below. The third 
showed a study-chair, a shaded lamp, and cer- 
tain favorite books, left open, as if to be taken 
up again when the mood returned. In one 
of these places Gladys lingered with fresh com- 
passion stirring at her heart, though it looked 
the least inviting of them all. Behind the cur- 
tains of a window looking out upon the broad 
street on which the mansion faced stood a 
single chair, and nothing more. 

“ He shall not be so lonely now, if I can inter- 
est or amuse him,” thought Gladys, as she looked 
at the worn spot in the carpet, the crumpled 
cushion on the window-ledge; mute witnesses 
that Helwyze felt drawn towards his kin, and 
5 * 


106 A MODERN MEPHI S T OPHELES. 


found some solace in watching the activity he 
could no longer share. 

Knowing that she should find him in the 
library, where most of his time was spent, she 
soon wended her way thither. The door stood 
hospitably open ; and, as she approached, she 
saw the two men standing together, marked, as 
never before, the sharp contrast between them, 
and felt a glow of wifely pride in the young hus- 
band whom she was learning to love with all the 
ardor of a pure and tender soul. 

Canaris was talking eagerly, as he turned the 
leaves of a thin manuscript which lay between 
them. Helwyze listened, with his eyes fixed on 
the speaker so intently that it startled the new- 
comer, when, without a sound to warn him of her 
approach, he turned suddenly upon her with the 
smile which dazzled without warming those on 
whom it was shed. 

“ I have been chiding this capricious fellow for 
the haste which spoils the welcome I hoped to 
give you. But I pardon him, since he brings the 
sunshine with him,” he said, going to meet her, 
with genuine pleasure in his face. 

“ I could not have a kinder welcome, sir. I 
was glad to come; Felix feared you might be 
needing him.” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 10 7 


“ So duty brought him back a week too soon ? 
A poet’s honeymoon should be a long one ; I 
regret to be the cause of its abridgment.” 

Something in the satirical glimmer of his eye 
made Gladys glance at her husband, who spoke 
out frankly, — 

“ There were other reasons. Gladys hates a 
crowd, and so do I. Bad weather made it im- 
possible to be romantic, so we thought it best to 
come home and be comfortable.” 

“ I trust you will be ; but I have little to offer, 
since the attractions of half a dozen cities could 
not satisfy you.” 

“ Indeed, we should be most ungrateful if we 
were not happy here,” cried Gladys, eagerly. 
“ Only let me be useful as well as happy, else I 
shall not deserve this lovely home you give us.” 

“ She is anxious to begin her ministrations ; 
and I can recommend her, for she is quick to 
learn one’s ways, patient with one’s whims, fruit- 
ful in charming devices for amusement, and 
the best of comrades,” said Canaris, drawing her 
to him with a look more grateful than fond. 

“From that speech, and other signs, I infer 
that Felix is about to leave me to your tender 
mercies, and fall to work upon his new book; 
since it seems he could not resist making poetry 


108 A MODERN ME PHIS TOP HE LES. 


when he should have been making love. Are 
you not jealous of the rival who steals him from 
you, even before the honeymoon has set ? ” asked 
Helwyze, touching the little manuscript before 
him. 

“ Not if she makes him great, and I can make 
him happy,” answered Gladys, with an air of 
perfect content and trust. 

“ I warn you that the Muse is a jealous mistress, 
and will often rob you of him. Are you ready to 
give him up, and resign yourself to more prosaic 
companionship ? ” 

“ Why need I give him up ? He says I do not 
disturb him when he writes. He allowed me to 
sit beside him while he made these lovely songs, 
and watch them grow. He even let me help 
with a word sometimes, and I copied the verses 
fairly, that he might see how beautiful they were. 
Did I not, Felix ? ” 

Gladys spoke with such innocent pride, and 
looked up in her husband’s face so gratefully, 
that he could not but thank her with a caress, as 
he said, laughing, — 

“ Ah, that was only play. I’ve had my holiday, 
and now I must work at a task in which no one 
can help me. Come and see the den where I 
shut myself up when the divine frenzy seizes me. 


A MODERN MEP HIS T OPHELES. 109 


Mr. Helwyze is jailer, and only lets me out when 
I have done my stint.” 

Full of some pleasurable excitement, Canaris 
led his wife across the room, threw open a door, 
and bade her look in. Like a curious child, she 
peeped, but saw only a small, bare cabinet de 
travail. 

“ No room, you see, even for a little thing like 
you. None dare enter here without my keeper’s 
leave. Remember that, else you may fare like 
Bluebeard’s Fatima.” Canaris spoke gayly, and 
turned a key in the door with a warning click, as 
he glanced over his shoulder at Helwyze. Gladys 
did not see the look, but something in his words 
seemed to disturb her. 

“ I do not like this place, it is close and dark. 
I think I shall not want to come, even if you are 
here ; ” and, waiting for no reply, she stepped 
out from the chill of the unused room, as if glad 
to escape. 

“ Mysterious intuition ! she felt that we had a 
skeleton in here, though it is such a little one,” 
whispered Canaris, with an uneasy laugh. 

“ Such a sensitive plant will fare ill between 
us, I am afraid,” answered Helwyze, as he fol- 
lowed her, leaving the other to open drawers 
and settle papers, like one eager to begin his 
work. 


110 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


Gladys was standing in the full glare of the 
fire, as if its cheerful magic could exorcise all 
dark fancies. Helwyze eyed the white figure for 
an instant, feeling that his lonely hearthstone had 
acquired a new charm ; then joined her, saying 
quietly, — 

“This is the place where Felix and I have 
lived together for nearly two years. Do you like 
it ? ” 

“ More than I can tell. It does not seem 
strange to me, for he has often described it ; and 
when I thought of coming here, I was more 
curious to see this room than any other.” 

“It will be all the pleasanter henceforth if 
Felix can spare you to me sometimes. Come 
and see the corner I have prepared, hoping to 
tempt you here when he shuts us out. It used 
to be his; so you will like it, I think.” Helwyze 
paced slowly down the long room, Gladys beside 
him, saying, as she looked about her hungrily, — 

“ So many books ! and doubtless you have read 
them all ? ” 

* Not quite ; but you may, if you will. See, 
here is your place ; come often, and be sure you 
never will disturb me.” 

But one book lay on the little table, and its 
white cover, silver lettered, shone against the 


A MODERN MEP HIS T OPHELES. I 1 1 


dark cloth so invitingly that Gladys took it up, 
glowing with pleasure as she read her own name 
upon the volume she knew and loved so well. 

“For me ? you knew that nothing else would 
be so beautiful and precious. Sir, why are you 
so generous ? ” 

“ It amuses me to do these little things, and 
you must humor me, as Felix does. You shall 
pay for them in your own coin, so there need be 
no sense of obligation. Rest satisfied I shall 
get the best of the bargain.” Before she could 
reply a servant appeared, announced dinner, and 
vanished as noiselessly as he came. 

“This has been a bachelor establishment so 
long that we are grown careless. If you will 
pardon all deficiencies of costume, we will not 
delay installing Madame Canaris in the place 
she does us the honor to fill.” 

“But I am not the mistress, sir. Please 
change nothing ; my place at home was very 
humble ; I am afraid I cannot fill the new one as 
I ought,” stammered Gladys, somewhat dismayed 
at the prospect which the new name and duty 
suggested. 

“ You will have no care, except of us. Mrs. 
Bland keeps the machinery running smoothly, 
and we lead a very quiet life. My territory ends 


1 12 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


at that door ; all beyond is yours. I chiefly 
haunt this wing, but sometimes roam about 
below stairs a little, a very harmless ghost, so 
do not be alarmed if you should meet me.” 

Helwyze spoke lightly, and tapped at the door 
of the den as he passed. 

“ Come out, slave of the pen, and be fed.” 

Canaris came, wearing a preoccupied air, and 
sauntered after them, as Helwyze led the new 
mistress to her place, shy and rosy, but resolved 
to do honor to her husband at all costs. 

Her first act, however, gave them both a 
slight shock of surprise ; for the instant they 
were seated, Gladys laid her hands together, 
bent her head, and whispered Grace, as if obey- 
ing a natural impulse to ask Heaven’s blessing 
on the first bread she broke in her new home. 
The effect of the devoutly simple act was charac- 
teristically shown by the three observers. The 
servant paused, with an uplifted cover in his 
hand, respectfully astonished ; Canaris looked 
intensely annoyed ; and Helwyze leaned back 
with the suggestion of a shrug, as he glanced 
critically from the dimpled hands to the nugget 
of gold that shone against the bended neck. The 
instant she looked up, the man whisked off the 
silver cover with an air of relief; Canaris fell 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 113 


upon his bread like a hungry boy, and Helwyze 
tranquilly began to talk. 

“Was the surprise Felix prepared for you a 
satisfactory one ? Olivia and I took pleasure in 
obeying his directions.” 

“ It was lovely ! I have not thanked him yet, 
but I shall. You, also, sir, in some better way 
than words. What made you think of it ? ” she 
asked, looking at Canaris with a mute request 
for pardon of her involuntary offence. 

Glad to rush into speech, Canaris gave at 
some length the history of his fancy to repro- 
duce, as nearly as he could, the little room at 
home, which she had described to him with re- 
gretful minuteness ; for she had sold every thing 
to pay the debts which were the sole legacy her 
father left her. While they talked, Helwyze, 
who ate little, was observing both. Gladys 
looked more girlish than ever, in spite of the 
mingled dignity and anxiety her quiet but timid 
air betrayed. Canaris seemed in high spirits, 
talking rapidly, laughing often, and glancing 
about him as if glad to be again where nothing 
inharmonious disturbed his taste and comfrrt. 
Not till dessert was on the table, however, did 
he own, in words, the feeling of voluptuous 
satisfaction which was enhanced by the memory 


H 


1 14 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


that he had been rash enough to risk the loss 
of all. 

“It is not so very terrible, you see, Gladys. 
You eat and drink like a bird; but I know you 
enjoy this as much as I do, after those detest- 
able hotels,” he said, detecting an expression of 
relief in his young wife’s face, as the noiseless 
servant quitted the room for the last time. 

“ Indeed I do. It is so pleasant to have all 
one’s senses gratified at once, and the common 
duties of life made beautiful and easy,” answered 
Gladys, surveying with feminine appreciation 
the well-appointed table which had that air of 
accustomed elegance so grateful to fastidious 
tastes. 

“ Ah, ha ! this little ascetic of mine will be- 
come a Sybarite yet, and agree with me that 
enjoyment is a duty,” exclaimed Canaris, look- 
ing very like a young Bacchus, as he held up his 
wine to watch its rich color, and inhale its bou- 
quet with zest. 

“ The more delicate the senses, the more deli- 
cate the delight. I suspect Madame finds her 
grapes and water as delicious as you do your 
olives and old wine,” said Helwyze, finding a 
still more refined satisfaction than either in the 
pretty contrast between the purple grapes and 


A MODERN MEFHISTOPHELES. 1 1 5 


the white fingers that pulled them apart, the 
softly curling lips that were the rosier for their 
temperate draughts, and the unspoiled simplicity 
of the girl sitting there in pearls and shimmer- 
ing silk. 

“ When one has known poverty, and the sad 
shifts which make it seem mean, as well as hard, 
perhaps one does unduly value these things. I 
hope I shall not ; but I do find them very tempt- 
ing,” she said, thoughtfully eying the new scene 
in which she found herself. 

Helwyze seemed to be absently listening to 
the musical chime of silver against glass ; but he 
made a note of that hope, wondering if hardship 
had given her more of its austere virtue than it 
had her husband. 

“ How shall you resist temptation ? ” he asked, 
curiously. 

“ I shall work. This is dangerously pleasant ; 
so let me begin at once, and sing, while you take 
your coffee in the drawing-room. I know the 
way ; come when you will, I shall be ready ; ” 
and Gladys rose with the energetic expression 
which often broke through her native gentle- 
ness. Canaris held the door for her, and was 
about to resume his seat, when Helwyze checked 
him : — 


Il6 A MODERN ME PH/S T OPHELES. 


“ We will follow at once. Was I not right in 
my prediction ? ” he asked, as they left the room 
together. 

“That we should soon tire of each other? 
You were wrong in that.” 

“ I meant the ease with which you would soon 
learn to love.” 

“ I have not learned — yet.” 

“ Then this vivacity is a cloak for the pangs 
of remorse, is it ? ” and Helwyze laughed in- 
credulously. 

“ No : it is the satisfaction I already feel in 
the atonement I mean to make. I have a grand 
idea. /, too, shall work, and give Gladys reason 
to be proud of me, if nothing more.” 

Something of her own energy was in his mien, 
and it became him. But Helwyze quenched the 
the noble ardor by saying, coldly, — 

“I see: it is the old passion under a new 
name. May your virtuous aspirations be blest ! ” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 117 


IX. 

JJJELWYZE was right, and Canaris found 
that his sudden marriage did stimulate 
public interest wonderfully. There had always 
been something mysterious about this brilliant 
young man and his relations with his patron ; 
who was as silent as the Sphinx regarding his 
past, and tantalizingly enigmatical about his 
plans and purposes for the future. The wildest 
speculations were indulged in : many believed 
them to be father and son ; others searched 
vainly for the true motive of this charitable 
caprice ; and every one waited with curiosity to 
see the end of it. All of which much amused 
Helwyze, who cared nothing for the world’s opin- 
ion, and found his sense of humor tickled by the 
ludicrous idea of himself in the new rble of 
benefactor. 

The romance seemed quite complete when it 
was known that the young poet had brought 
home a wife whose talent, vouth. and isolation 


1 1 8 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


seemed to render her peculiarly fitted for his 
mate. 

Though love was lacking, vanity was strong in 
Canaris, and this was gratified by the commen- 
dation bestowed on the new ornament he wore ; 
for as such simple Gladys was considered, and 
shone with reflected lustre, her finer gifts and 
graces quite eclipsed by his more conspicuous 
and self-asserting ones. 

With unquestioning docility she gave herself 
into his hands, following where he led her, obey- 
ing his lightest wish, and loving him with a 
devotion which kept alive regretful tenderness 
when it should have cherished a loyal love. He 
gladly took her into all the gayety which for a 
time surrounded them, and she enjoyed it with a 
girl’s fresh delight. He showed her wise and 
witty people whom she admired or loved ; and she 
looked and listened with an enthusiast’s wonder. 
He gave her all he had to give, novelty and 
pleasure ; though the one had lost its gloss for 
him, and too much of the other he was forced to 
accept from Helwyze’s hands. But through all 
the experiences that now rapidly befell her, 
Gladys was still herself ; innocently happy, 
stanchly true, ' characteristically independent , 
a mountain stream, keeping its waters pure and 


A MODERN ME PH/S T OPHELES. I 1 9 


bright, though mingled with the swift and turbid 
river which was hurrying it toward the sea. 

Curiosity being satisfied, society soon found 
some fresher novelty to absorb it. Women still 
admired Canaris, but marriage lessened his at- 
tractions for them ; men still thought him full 
of promise, but were fast forgetting the first 
successful effort which had won their applause ; 
and the young lion found that he must roar loud 
and often, if he would not be neglected. Shut- 
ting himself into his cell, he worked with hope- 
ful energy for several months, often coming out 
weary, but excited, with, the joyful labor of crea- 
tion. At such times there was no prose any- 
where ; for heaven and earth were glorified by 
the light of that inner world, where imagination 
reigns, and all things are divine. Then he would 
be in the gayest spirits, and carry Gladys off 
to some hour of pleasant relaxation at theatre, 
opera, or ball, where flattery refreshed or emula- 
tion inspired him ; and next day would return to 
his task with redoubled vigor. 

At other times his fickle mistress deserted 
him; thought would not soar, language would 
not sing, poetry fled, and life was unutterably 
“flat, stale, and unprofitable.” Then it was 
Gladys, who took possession of him ; lured him 


120 A MODERN MEP HIS T OPHELES. 


out for a brisk walk, or a long drive into a 
wholesomer world than that into which he took 
her ; sung weary brain to sleep with the sweet- 
est lullabies of brother bards ; or made him 
merry by the display of a pretty wit, which 
none but he knew she could exert. With wifely 
patience and womanly tact she managed her 
wayward but beloved lord, till despondency 
yielded to her skill, and the buoyant spirit of 
hope took him by the hand, and led him to his 
work again. 

In the intervals between these fits of intel- 
lectual intoxication and succeeding depression, 
Gladys devoted herself to Helwyze with a faith- 
fulness which surprised him and satisfied her ; 
for, as she said, her “ bread tasted bitter if she 
did not earn it.” He had expected to be amused, 
perhaps interested, but not so charmed, by this 
girl, who possessed only a single talent, a modest 
share of beauty, and a mind as untrained as a 
beautiful but neglected garden. This last was 
the real attraction ; for, finding her hungry for 
knowledge, he did not hesitate to test her taste 
and try her mental mettle, by allowing her free 
range of a large and varied library. Though 
not a scholar, in the learned sense of the word, 
he had the eager, sceptical nature which inter- 


A MODERN ME PHIS TOPHELES. 121 


rogates all things, yet believes only in itself. 
This had kept him roaming solitarily up and 
down the earth for years, observing men and 
manners ; now it drove him to books ; and, as 
suffering and seclusion wrought upon body and 
brain, his choice of mute companions changed 
from the higher, healthier class to those who, like 
himself, leaned towards the darker, sadder side 
of human nature. Lawless here, as elsewhere, 
he let his mind wander at will, as once he had 
let his heart, learning too late that both are 
sacred gifts, and cannot safely be tampered 
with. 

All was so fresh and wonderful to Gladys, 
that her society grew very attractive to him ; 
and pleasant as it was to have her wait upon 
him with quiet zeal, or watch her busied in her 
own corner, studying, or sewing with the little 
basket beside her which gave such a homelike 
air, it was still pleasanter to have her sit and 
read to him, while he watched this face, so in- 
telligent, yet so soft ; studied this mind, at once 
sensitive and sagacious, this nature, both serious 
and ardent. It gave a curious charm to his old 
favorites when she read them ; and many hours 
he listened contentedly to the voice whose youth 
made Montaigne’s worldly wisdom seem the 
6 


1 22 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


shrewder ; whose music gave a certain sweetness 
to Voltaire’s bitter wit or Carlyle’s rough wisdom ; 
whose pitying wonder added pathos to the melan- 
choly brilliancy of Heine and De Quincy. Equally 
fascinating to him, and far more dangerous to 
her, were George Sand’s passionate romances, 
Goethe’s dramatic novels, Hugo and Sue’s lurid 
word-pictures of suffering and sin ; the haunted 
world of Shakespeare and Dante, the poetry of 
Byron, Browning, and Poe. 

Rich food and strong wine for a girl of eigh 
teen ; and Gladys soon felt the effects of such 
a diet, though it was hard to resist when duty 
seconded inclination, and ignorance hid the 
peril. She often paused to question with eager 
lips, to wipe wet eyes, to protest with indignant 
warmth, or to shiver with the pleasurable pain 
of a child who longs, yet dreads, to hear an ex- 
citing story to the end. Helwyze answered 
willingly, if not always wisely ; enjoyed the rapid 
unfolding of the woman, and would not deny 
himself any indulgence of this new whim, 
though conscious that the snow-drop, trans- 
planted suddenly from the free fresh spring-time, 
could not live in this close air without suffering. 

This was the double life Gladys now began to 
lead. Heart and mind were divided between 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 23 


the two, who soon absorbed every feeling, 
every thought. To the younger man she was 
a teacher, to the elder a pupil ; in the one world 
she ruled, in the other served ; unconsciously 
Canaris stirred emotion to its depths, con- 
sciously Helwyze stimulated intellect to its 
heights ; while the soul of the woman, receiv- 
ing no food from either, seemed to sit apart in 
the wilderness of its new experience, tempted 
by evil as well as sustained by good spirits, who 
guard their own. 

One evening this divided mastery was es- 
pecially felt by Helwyze, who watched the 
young man’s influence over his wife with a 
mixture of interest and something like jealousy, as 
it was evidently fast becoming stronger than his 
own. Sitting in his usual place, he saw Gladys 
flit about the room, brushing up the hearth, 
brightening the lamps, and putting by the fin- 
ished books, as if the day’s duties were all done, 
the evening’s rest and pleasure honestly earned, 
eagerly waited for. He well knew that this 
pleasure consisted in carrying Canaris away to 
her own domain ; or, if that were impossible, she 
would sit silently looking at him while he read 
or talked in his fitful fashion on any subject his 
master chose to introduce. 


124 a MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


The desire to make her forget the husband 
whose neglect would have sorely grieved her if 
his genius had not been his excuse in her eyes 
for many faults, possessed Helwyze that night ; 
and he amused himself by the effort, becoming 
more intent with each failure. 

As the accustomed hour drew near, Gladys 
took her place on the footstool before the chair 
set ready for Felix, and fell a musing, with her 
eyes on the newly replenished fire. Above, the 
unignited fuel lay black and rough, with here 
and there a deep rift opening to the red core 
beneath ; while to and fro danced many colored 
flames, as if bent on some eager quest. Many 
flashed up the chimney, and were gone ; others 
died solitarily in dark corners, where no heat fed 
them ; and some vanished down the chasms, to the 
fiery world below. One golden spire, tremulous 
and translucent, burned with a brilliance which 
attracted the eye ; and, when a wandering violet 
flame joined it, Gladys followed their motions 
with interest, seeing in them images of Felix 
and herself, for childish fancy and womanly in- 
sight met and mingled in all she thought and 
felt. 

Forgetting that she was not alone, she leaned 
forward, to watch what became of them, as the 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 25 


wedded flames flickered here and there, now 
violet, now yellow. But the brighter always 
seemed the stronger, and the sad-colored one to 
grow more and more golden, as if yielding to its 
sunshiny mate. 

“ I hope they will fly up together, out into the 
wide, starry sky, which is their eternity, perhaps," 
she thought, smiling at her own eagerness. 

But no ; the golden flame flew up, and left the 
other to take on many shapes and colors, as it 
wandered here and there, till, just as it glowed 
with a splendid crimson, Gladys was forced to 
hide her dazzled eyes and look no more. Turn- 
ing her flushed face away, she found Helwyze 
watching her as intently as she had watched the 
fire, and, reminded of his presence, she glanced 
toward the empty chair with an impatient sigh 
for Felix. 

“You are tired," he said, answering the sigh. 
“ Mrs. Bland told me what a notable housewife 
you are, and how you helped her set the upper 
regions to rights to-day. I fear you did too much." 

“ Oh, no, I enjoyed it heartily. I asked for 
something to do, and she allowed me to examine 
and refold the treasures you keep in the great 
carved wardrobe, lest moths or damp or dust had 
hurt the rich stuffs, curious coins, and lovely 


126 A MODERN ME PH/S T OPHELES. 


ornaments stored there. I never saw so many 
pretty things before,” she answered, betraying, 
by her sudden animation, the love of “pretty 
things,” which is one of the strongest of femi- 
nine foibles. 

He smiled, well pleased. 

“ Olivia calls that quaint press from Brittany 
my bazaar, for there I have collected the spoils 
of my early wanderings ; and when I want a 
cadeau for a fair friend, I find it without trouble. 
I saw in what exquisite order you left my shelves, 
and, as you were not with me to choose, I 
brought away several trifles, more curious than 
costly, hoping to find a thank-offering among 
them.” 

As he spoke, he opened one of the deep draw- 
ers in the writing-table, as if to produce some 
gift. But Gladys said, hastily, — 

“You are very kind, sir ; but these fine things 
are altogether too grand for me. The pleasure 
of looking at and touching them is reward enough ; 
unless you will tell me about them : it must be 
interesting to know what places they came from.” 

Feeling in the mood for it, Helwyze described to 
her an Eastern bazaar, so graphically that she soon 
forgot Felix, and sat looking up as if she actu- 
ally saw and enjoyed the splendors he spoke of. 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 12 7 


Lustrous silks sultanas were to wear ; misty 
muslins, into whose embroidery some dark- 
skinned woman’s life was wrought ; cashmeres, 
many-hued as rainbows ; odorous woods and 
spices, that filled the air with fragrance never 
blown from Western hills ; amber, like drops of 
frozen sunshine ; fruits, which brought visions of 
vineyards, olive groves, and lovely palms drop- 
ping their honeyed clusters by desert wells ; skins 
mooned and barred with black upon the tawny 
velvet, that had lain in jungles, or glided with 
deathful stealthiness along the track of human 
feet ; ivory tusks that had felled Asiatic trees, 
gored fierce enemies, or meekly lifted princes to 
their seats. 

These, and many more, he painted rapidly ; and, 
as he ended, shook out of its folds a gauzy fabric, 
starred with silver, which he threw over her 
head, pointing to the mirror set in the door of 
the armoire behind her. 

“ See if that is not too pretty to refuse. Felix 
would surely be inspired if you appeared before 
him shimmering like Suleika, when Hatem says 
to her, — 

* * Here, take this, with the pure and silver streaking, 

And wind it, Darling, round and round tor me ; 

What is your Highness ? Style scarce worth the speaking, 
When thou dost look, I am as great as He.’ ” 


128 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


Gladys did look, and saw how beautiful it made 
her; but, though she did not understand the 
words he quoted, the names suggested a sultan 
and his slave, and she did not like either the idea 
or the expression with which Helwyze regarded 
her. Throwing off the gauzy veil, she refolded 
and put it by, saying, in that decided little way 
of hers, which was prettier than petulance, — 

“ My Hatem does not need that sort of in- 
spiration, and had rather see his Suleika in a 
plain gown of his choosing, than dressed in all 
the splendors of the East by any other hand.” 

“ Come, then, we must find some better souve- 
nir of your visit, for I never let any one go away 
empty-handed ; ” with that he dipped again into 
the drawer, and held up a pretty bracelet, ex- 
plaining, as he offered it with unruffled compos- 
ure, though she eyed it askance, attracted, yet 
reluctant, a charming picture of doubt and de- 
sire, — 

“ Here are the Nine Muses, cut in many-tinted 
lava. See how well the workman suited the color 
to the attribute of each Muse. Urania is blue ; 
Erato, this soft pink; Terpsichore, violet; Eu- 
terpe and Thalia, black and white ; and the others, 
these fine shades of yellow, dun, and drab. That 
pleases you, I know ; so let me put it on.” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 29 


It did please her ; and she stretched out her 
hand to accept it, gratified, yet conscious all the 
while of the antagonistic spirit which often seized 
her when with Helwyze. He put on the brace- 
let with a satisfied air ; but the clasp was im- 
perfect, and, at the first turn of the round wrist, 
the Nine Muses fell to the ground. 

“ It is too heavy. I am not made to wear hand- 
cuffs of any sort, you see : they will not stay on, 
so it is of no use to try ; ” and Gladys picked up 
the trinket with an odd sense of relief ; though 
poor Erato was cracked, and Thalia, like Field- 
ing’s fair Amelia, had a broken nose. She rose 
to lay it on the table, and, as she turned away, 
her eye went to the clock, as if reproaching her- 
self for that brief forgetfulness of her husband. 
Half amused, half annoyed, and bent on having 
his own way, even in so small a thing as this, 
Helwyze drew up a chair, and, setting a Japanese 
tray upon the table, said, invitingly, — 

“ Come and see if these are more to your taste, 
since fine raiment and foolish ornaments fail to 
tempt you.” 

“ Oh, how curious and beautiful ! ” cried Gladys, 
looking down upon a collection of Hindoo gods 
and goddesses, in ebony or ivory : some hideous, 
some lovely, all carved with wonderful delicacy, 

6* 1 


130 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


and each with its appropriate symbol, — Vishnu, 
and his serpent ; Brahma, in the sacred lotus ; Siva, 
with seven faces ; Kreeshna, the destroyer, with 
many mouths ; Varoon, god of the ocean ; and 
Kama, the Indian Cupid, bearing his bow of 
sugar-cane strung with bees, to typify love’s sting 
as well as sweetness. This last Gladys examined 
longest, and kept in her hand as if it charmed 
her ; for the minute face of the youth was beauti- 
ful, the slender figure full of grace, and the ivory 
spotless. 

“ You choose him for your idol ? and well you 
may, for he looks like Felix. Mine, if I have one, 
is Siva, goddess of Fate, ugly, but powerful.” 

“ I will have no idol, — not even Felix, though 
I sometimes fear I may make one of him before I 
know it ; ” and Gladys put back the little figure 
with a guilty look, as she confessed the great 
temptation that beset her. 

“You are wise: idols are apt to have feet of 
clay, and tumble down in spite of our blind adora- 
tion. Better be a Buddhist, and have no god but 
our own awakened thought; ‘the highest wis- 
dom,’ as it is called,” said Helwyze, who had 
lately been busy with the Sakya Muni, and re- 
garded all religions with calm impartiality. 

“ These are false gods, and we are done with 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 131 


them, since we know the true one,” began Gladys, 
understanding him ; for she had read aloud the 
life of Gautama Buddha, and enjoyed it as a 
legend ; while he found its mystic symbolism 
attractive, and nothing repellent in its idolatry. 

“ But do we ? How can you prove it ? ” 

“It needs no proving; the knowledge of it 
was born in me, grows with my growth, and is 
the life of my life,” cried Gladys, out of the ful- 
ness of that natural religion which requires no 
revelation except such as experience brings to 
strengthen and purify it. 

“All are not so easily satisfied as you,” he 
said, in the sceptical tone which always tried both 
her patience and her courage ; for, woman-like, 
she could feel the truth of things, but could not 
reason about them. He saw her face kindle, 
and added, rapidly, having a mind to try how 
firmly planted the faith of the pretty Puritan was : 
“Most of us agree that Allah exists in some 
form or other, but we fall out about who is the 
true Prophet. You choose Jesus of Nazareth 
for yours ; I rather incline to this Indian Saint 
They are not unlike : this Prince left all to de- 
vote his life to the redemption of mankind, suf- 
fered persecutions and temptations, had his 
disciples, and sent out the first apostles of whom 


132 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


we hear ; was a teacher, with his parables, mira- 
cles, and belief in transmigration or immortality. 
His doctrine is almost the same as the other ; 
and the six virtues which secure Nirvana, or 
Heaven, are charity, purity, patience, courage, 
contemplation, and wisdom. Come, why not 
take him for a model ? ” 

Gladys listened with a mixture of perplexity 
and pain in her face, and her hand went invol- 
untarily to the little cross which she always 
wore ; but, though her eye was troubled, her 
voice was steady, as she answered, earnestly, — 
“Because I have a nobler one. My Prince 
left a greater throne than yours to serve man- 
kind; suffered and resisted more terrible perse- 
cution and temptation ; sent out wiser apostles, 
taught clearer truth, and preached an immortal- 
ity for all. Yours died peacefully in the arms 
of his friends, mine on a cross ; and, though 
he came later, he has saved more souls than 
Buddha. Sir, I know little about those older 
religions ; I am not wise enough even to argue 
about my own : I can only believe in it, love it, 
and hold fast to it, since it is all I need.” 

“ How can you tell till you try others ? This, 
now, is a fine one, if we are not too bigoted to 
look into it fairly. Wise men, who have done 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES . 1 33 


so, say that no faith — not even the Christian — 
has exercised so powerful an influence on the 
diminution of crime as the old, simple doctrine 
of Sakya Muni ; and this is the only great his- 
toric religion that has not taken the sword to 
put down its enemies. Can you say as much 
for yours ? ” 

“ No ; but it is worth fighting for, and I would 
fight, as the Maid of Orleans did for France, 
for this is my country. Can you say of your 
faith that it sustained you in sorrow, made 
you happy in loneliness, saved you from temp- 
tation, taught, guided, blessed you day by day 
with unfailing patience, wisdom, and love ? 1 

think you cannot ; then why try to take mine 
away till you can give me a better ? ” 

Seldom was Gladys so moved as now, for she 
felt as if he was about to meddle with her holy 
of holies ; and, without stopping to reason, she 
resisted the attempt, sure that he would harm, 
not help, her, since neither his words nor ex- 
ample had done Felix any good. 

Helwyze admired her all the more for her 
resistance, and thought her unusually lovely, as 
she stood there flushed and fervent with her 
plea for the faith that was so dear to her. 

“Why, indeed! You would make an excel- 


134 A MODERN ME PH/S T OPHELES. 


lent martyr, and enjoy it. Pity that you have 
no chance of it, and so of being canonized as a 
saint afterward. That is decidedly your line. 
Then, you won’t have any of my gods ? not even 
this one ? ” he asked, holding up the handsome 
Kama, with a smile. 

“No, not even that. I will have only one 
God, and you may keep your idols for those who 
believe in them. My faith may not be the oldest, 
but it is the best, if one may judge of the 
two religions by the happiness and peace they 
give,” answered Gladys, taking refuge in a very 
womanly, yet most convincing, argument, she 
thought, as she pointed to the mirror, which re- 
flected both figures in its clear depths. 

Helwyze looked, and though without an atom 
of vanity, the sight could not but be trying, the 
contrast was so great between her glad, young 
face, and his, so melancholy and prematurely 
old. 

“Satma, Tama — Truth and Darkness,” he 
muttered to himself ; adding aloud, with a 
vengeful sort of satisfaction in shocking her 
pious nature, — 

“ But I have no religion ; so that defiant little 
speech is quite thrown away, my friend.” 

It did shock her; for, though she had sus- 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 35 


pected the fact, there was something dreadful 
in hearing him confess it, in a tone which proved 
his sincerity. 

“Mr. Helwyze, do you really mean that you 
believe in nothing invisible and divine ? no life 
beyond this ? no God, no Christ to bless and 
save ? ” she asked, hardly knowing how to put 
the question, as she drew back dismayed, but 
still incredulous. 

“Yes” 

He was both surprised, and rather annoyed, to 
find that it cost him an effort to give even that 
short answer, with those innocent eyes looking 
so anxiously up at him, full of a sad wonder, 
then dim with sudden dew, as she said eagerly, 
forgetting every thing but a great compas- 
sion, — 

“ O sir, it is impossible ! You think so now ; 
but when you love and trust some human crea- 
ture more than yourself, then you will find that 
you do believe in Him who gives such happi- 
ness, and be glad to own it.” 

“ Perhaps. Meantime you will not make me 
happy by letting me give you any thing ; why is 
it, Gladys ? ” 

The black brows were knit, and he looked 
impatient with himself or her. She saw it, and 
exclaimed with the sweetest penitence, — 


136 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


“ Give me your pardon for speaking so frankly. 
I mean no disrespect ; but I cannot help it when 
you say such things, though I know that grati- 
tude should keep me silent.” 

“ I like it. Do not take yourself to task for 
that, or trouble about me. There are many 
roads, and sooner or later we shall all reach 
heaven, I suppose, — if there is one,” he added, 
with a shrug, which spoiled the smile that went 
before. 


A MODERN MEP HIS T OPHELES. 1 37 


X. 

/^LADYS stood silent for a moment, with 
her eyes fixed on the little figures, long- 
ing for wisdom to convince this man, whom she 
regarded with mingled pity, admiration and dis- 
trust, that he could not walk by his own light 
alone. He guessed the impulse that kept her 
there, longed to have her stay, and felt a sudden 
desire to reinstate himself in her good opinion. 
That wish, or the hope to keep her by some 
new and still more powerful allurement, seemed 
to actuate him as he hastily thrust the gods 
and goddesses out of sight, and opened another 
drawer, with a quick glance over his shoulder 
towards that inner room. 

At that instant the clock struck, and Gladys 
started, saying, in a tone of fond despair, — 

“ Where is Felix ? Will he never come ? ” 

“ I heard him raging about some time ago, but 
perfect silence followed, so I suspect he caught 
the tormenting word, idea, or fancy, and is busy 
pinning it,” answered Helwyze, shutting the 


138 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


drawer as suddenly as he opened it, with a 
frown which Gladys did not see; for she had 
turned away, forgetting him and his salvation in 
the one absorbing interest of her life. 

“ How long it takes to write a poem ! Three 
whole months, for he began in September; and 
it was not to be a long one, he said.” 

“ He means this to be a masterpiece, so labors 
like a galley-slave, and can find no rest till it is 
done. Good practice, but to little purpose, I am 
afraid. Poetry, even the best, is not profitable 
now-a-days, I am told,” added Helwyze, speaking 
with a sort of satisfaction which he could not 
conceal. 

“Who cares for the profit? It is the fame 
Felix wants, and works for,” answered Gladys, 
defending the absent with wifely warmth. 

“True, but he would not reject the fortune if 
it came. He is not one of the ethereal sort, who 
can live on glory and a crust ; his gingerbread 
must not only be gilded, but solid and well-spiced 
beside. You adore your poet, respect also the 
worldly wisdom of your spouse, madame ” 

When Helwyze sneered, Gladys was silent ; 
so now she mused again, leaning on the high 
back of the chair which she longed to see occu- 
pied. He mused also, with his eyes upon the 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES . 1 39 


fire, fingers idly tapping, and a furtive smile 
round his mouth, as if some purpose was taking 
shape in that busy brain of his. Suddenly he 
spoke, in a tone of kindly interest, well knowing 
where her thoughts were, and anxious to end 
her weary waiting. 

“ Perhaps the poor fellow has fallen asleep, 
tired out with striving after immortality. Go 
and wake him, if you will, for it is time he 
rested.” 

“ May I ? He does not like to be disturbed ; 
but I fear he is ill : he has eaten scarcely any 
thing for days, and looks so pale it troubles me. 
I will peep first ; and if he is busy, creep away 
without a word.” 

Stepping toward the one forbidden, yet most 
fascinating spot in all the house, she softly 
opened the door and looked in. Canaris was 
there, apparently asleep, as Helwyze thought ; for 
his head lay on his folded arms as if both were 
weary. Glancing over her shoulder with a nod 
and a smile, Gladys went in, anxious to wake 
and comfort him ; for the little room looked 
solitary, dark, and cold, with dead ashes on the 
hearth, the student lamp burning dimly, and the 
food she had brought him hours ago still stand- 
ing untasted, among the blotted sheets strewn 


140 A MODERN MEPH/STOPHELES. 


all about. At her first touch he looked up, 
and she was frightened by the expression of his 
face, it was so desperately miserable. 

“ Dear, what is it ? ” she asked, quickly, with 
her arms about him, as if defying the unknown 
trouble to reach him there. 

“ Disappointment, — nothing else ; ” and he 
leaned his head against her, grateful for sym- 
pathy, since she could give no other help. 

“ You mean your book, which does not satisfy 
you even yet ? ” she said, interpreting the signifi- 
cance of the weary, yet restless, look he wore. 

“ It never will ! I have toiled and tried, with 
all my heart and soul and mind, if ever a man 
did ; but I cannot do it, Gladys. It torments 
me, and I cannot escape from it ; because, though 
it is all here in my brain, it will not be expressed 
in words.” 

" Do not try any more ; rest now, and by and 
by, perhaps, it will be easier. You have worked 
too hard, and are worn out ; forget the book, and 
come and let me take care of you. It breaks my 
heart to see you so.” 

“ I was doing it for your sake, — all for you ; 
and I thought this time it would be very good, 
since my purpose was a just and generous one. 
But it is not, and I hate it ! ” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 14I 


With a passionate gesture, Canaris hurled a 
pile of manuscript into the further corner of the 
room, and pushed his wife from him, as if she 
too were an affliction and a disappointment. It 
grieved her bitterly ; but she would not be re- 
pulsed ; and, holding fast in both her own the 
hand that was about to grasp another sheaf of 
papers, she cried, with a tone of tender authority, 
which both controlled and touched him, — 

“No, no, you shall not, Felix! Put me away, 
but do not spoil the book ; it has cost us both 
too much.” 

“ Not you ; forgive me, it is myself with 
whom I am vexed ; ” and Canaris penitently 
kissed the hands that held his, remembering 
that she could not know the true cause of his 
effort and regret. 

“I shall be jealous, if I find that I have given 
you up so long in vain. I must have something 
to repay me for the loss of your society all this 
weary time. I have worked to fill your place : 
give me my reward.” 

“ Have you missed me, then ? I thought you 
happy enough with Helwyze and the books.” 

“ Missed you ! happy enough ! O Felix ! you 
do not know me, if you think I can be happy 
without you. He is kind, but only a friend ; and 


142 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


all the books in the wide world are not as much 
to me as the one you treat so cruelly.” She 
clasped tightly the hands she held, and looked 
into his face with eyes full of unutterable love. 
Such tender flattery could not but soothe, such 
tearful reproach fail to soften, a far prouder, 
harder man than Canaris. 

“ What reward will you have ? ” he asked, 
making an effort to be cheerful for her sake. 

“Eat, drink, and rest; then read me every 
word you have written. I am no critic ; but I 
would try to be impartial : love makes even the 
ignorant wise, and I shall see the beauty which 
I know is in it.” 

“ I put you there, or tried ; so truth and beauty 
should be in it. Some time you shall hear it, but 
not now. I could not read it to-night, perhaps 
never ; it is such a poor, pale shadow of the 
thing I meant it to be ” 

“ Let me read it,” said a voice behind them ; 
and Helwyze stood upon the threshold, wearing 
his most benignant aspect. 

“You?” ejaculated Canaris; while Gladys 
shrunk a little, as if the proposition did not 
please her. 

“Why not? Young poets never read their 
own verses well ; yet what could be more sooth- 


A MODERN MEP HIS TOPHELES. 143 


ing to the most timorous or vain than to hear 
them read by an admiring and sympathetic 
friend ? Come, let me have my reward, as well 
as Gladys ; ” and Helwyze laid his hand upon the 
unscattered pile of manuscript. 

“ A penance, rather. It is so blurred, so rough, 
you could not read it; then the fatigue,” — began 
Canaris, pleased, yet reluctant still. 

“ I can read any thing, make rough places 
smooth, and not tire, for I have a great interest 
in this story. He has shown me some of it, and 
it is good.” 

Helwyze spoke to Gladys, and his last words 
conquered her reluctance, whetted her curiosity ; 
he looked at Canaris, and his glance inspired 
hope, his offer tempted, for his voice could make 
music of any thing, his praise would be both 
valuable and cheering. 

“ Let him, Felix, since he is so kind, I so im- 
patient that I do not want to wait ; ” and Gladys 
went to gather up the leaves, which had flown 
wildly about the room. 

“ Leave those, I will sort them while you be- 
gin. The first part is all here. I am sick of it, 
and so will you be, before you are through. Go, 
love, or I may revoke permission, and make the 
bonfire yet.” 


144 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


Canaris laughed as he waved her away; and 
Gladys, seeing that the cloud had lifted, willingly 
obeyed, lingering only to give a touch to the 
dainty luncheon, which was none the worse for 
being cold. 

“ Dear*, eat and drink, then my feast will be 
the sweeter.” 

“ I wili ; I’ll eat and drink stupendously when 
you are gone ; I wish you bon appetit ,” he said, 
filling the glass, and smiling as he drank. 

Contented now, Gladys hurried away, to find 
Helwyze already seated by the study-table, with 
the manuscript laid open before him. He looked 
up, wearing an expression of such pleasurable 
excitement, that it augured well for what was 
coming, and she slipped into the chair beside 
the one set ready for Canaris on the opposite 
side of the hearth, still hoping he would come 
and take it. Helwyze began, and soon she for- 
got every thing, — carried away by the smoothly 
flowing current of the story which he read so 
well. A metrical romance, such as many a lover 
might have imagined in the first inspiration of 
the great passion, but few could have painted 
with such skill. A very human story, but all 
the truer and sweeter for that fact. The men 
and women in it were full of vitality and color ; 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 145 


their faces spoke, hearts beat, words glowed ; 
and they seemed to live before the listener’s eye, 
as if endowed with eloquent flesh and blood. 

Gladys forgot their creator utterly, but Hel- 
wyze did not ; and even while reading on with 
steadily increasing effect, glanced now and then 
towards that inner room, where, after a moment 
of unnecessary bustle, perfect silence reigned. 
Presently a shadow flickered on the ceiling, a 
shadow bent as if listening eagerly, though not 
a sound betrayed its approach as it seemed to 
glide and vanish behind the tall screen which 
stood before the door. Gladys saw nothing, 
her face being intent upon the reader, her 
thoughts absorbed in following the heart-history 
of the woman in whom she could not help find- 
ing a likeness to herself. 

Helwyze saw the shadow, however, and 
laughed inwardly, as if to see the singer irre- 
sistibly drawn by his own music. But no visi- 
ble smile betrayed this knowledge ; and the tale 
went on with deepening power and pathos, till 
at its most passionate point he paused. 

“ Go on ; oh, pray go on ! ” cried Gladys, 
breathlessly. 

“Are you not tired of it?” asked Helwyze, 
with a keen look. 

7 J 


146 A MODERN ME PH/S T OPHELES. 


“ No, no ! You are ? Then let me read.” 

“ Not I ; but there is no more here. Ask 
Felix if we may go on.” 

“ I must ! I will ! Where is he ? ” and Gladys 
hurried round the screen, to find Canaris flung 
down anyway upon a seat, looking almost as 
excited as herself. 

“Ah,” she cried, delightedly, “you could not 
keep away! You know that it is good, and 
you are glad and proud, although you will not 
own it.” 

“ Am I ? Are you ? ” he asked, reading the 
answer in her face, before she could whisper, 
with the look of mingled awe and adoration 
which she always wore when speaking of him 
as a poet, — 

“ Never can I tell you what I feel. It almost 
frightens me to find how well you know me and 
yourself, and other hearts like ours. What gives 
you this wonderful power, and shows you how to 
use it ? ” 

“ Don’t praise it too much, or I shall wish I 
had destroyed, instead of re-sorting, the second 
part for you to hear.” Canaris spoke almost 
roughly, and rose, as if about to go and do it 
now. But Gladys caught his hand, saying gayly, 
as she drew him out into the fire-light with per- 
suasive energy, — 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 147 


“ That you shall never do ; but come and enjoy 
it with us. You need not be so modest, for 
you know you like it. Now I am perfectly 
happy.” 

She looked so, as she saw her husband sink in- 
to the tall-backed chair, and took her place beside 
him, laughing at the almost comic mixture of 
sternness, resignation, and impatience betrayed 
by his set lips, silent acquiescence, and excited 
eyes. 

“Now we are read y;” and Gladys folded her 
hands with the rapturous contentment of a child 
at its first fairy spectacle. 

“ All but the story. I will fetch it ; ” and Hel- 
wyze stepped quickly behind the screen before 
either could stir. 

Gladys half rose, but Canaris drew her down 
again, whispering, in an almost resentful tone, - - 

“ Let him, if he will ; you wait on him too 
much. I put the papers in order ; he will read 
them easily enough.” 

“ Nay, do not be angry, dear ; he does it to 
please me, and surely no one could read it better. 
I know you would feel too much to do it well,” 
she answered, her hand in his, with its most 
soothing touch. 

There was no time for more. Helwyze re- 


148 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


turned, and, after a hasty resettling of the manu- 
script, read on, without pausing, to the story’s 
end, as if unconscious of fatigue, and bent on 
doing justice to the power of the protigt whose 
success was his benefactor’s best reward. At 
first, Gladys glanced at her husband from time 
to time ; but presently the living man beside 
her grew less real than that other, who, despite 
a new name and country, strange surroundings, 
and far different circumstances, was so unmis- 
takably the same, that she could not help feeling 
and following his fate to its close, with an interest 
almost as intense as if, in very truth, she saw 
Canaris going to his end. Her interest in the 
woman lessened, and was lost in her eagerness 
to have the hero worthy of the love she gave, 
the honor others felt for him ; and, when the 
romance brought him to defeat and death, she 
was so wrought upon by this illusion, that she 
fell into a passion of sudden tears, weeping as 
she had never wept before. 

Felix sat motionless, his hand over his eyes, 
lips closely folded, lest they should betray too 
much emotion ; the irresistible conviction that 
it was good, strengthening every instant, till 
he felt only the fascination and excitement of 
an hour, which foretold others even more de- 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 149 


licious. When the tale ended, the melodious 
voice grew silent, and nothing was heard but 
the eloquent sobbing of a woman. Words seemed 
unnecessary, and none were uttered for several 
minutes, then Helwyze asked briefly, — 

“ Shall we burn it ? ” 

As briefly Canaris answered “ No ; ” and 
Gladys, quickly recovering the self-control so 
seldom lost, looked up with “ a face, clear shin- 
ing after rain,” as she said in the emphatic tone 
of deepest feeling, — 

“ It would be like burning a live thing. But, 
Felix, you must not kill that man: I cannot 
have him die so. Let him live to conquer all 
his enemies, the worst in himself ; then, if you 
must end tragically, let the woman go; she 
would not care, if he were safe.” 

“ But she is the heroine of the piece ; and, if it 
does not end with her lamenting over the fallen 
hero, the dramatic point is lost,” said Helwyze ; 
for Canaris had sprung up, and was walking 
restlessly about the room, as if the spirits he 
had evoked were too strong to be laid even by 
himself. 

“ I know nothing about that ; but I feel the 
moral point would be lost, if it is not changed. 
Surely, powerful as pity is, a lofty admiration is 


1 50 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


better ; and this poem would be nobler, in every 
way, if that man ends by living well, than by 
dying ignominiously in spite of his courage. I 
cannot explain it, but I am sure it is so ; and 
I will not let Felix spoil his best piece of work 
by such a mistake.” 

“ Then you like it ? You would be happy if I 
changed and let it go before the world, for your 
sake more than for my own ? ” 

Canaris paused beside her, pale with some 
emotion stronger than gratified vanity or ambi- 
tious hope. Gladys thought it was love; and, 
carried out of herself by the tender pride that 
overflowed her heart and would not be con- 
trolled, she let an action, more eloquent than any 
words, express the happiness she was the first 
to feel, the homage she would be the first to pay. 
Kneeling before him, she clasped her hands to- 
gether, and looked up at him with cheeks still 
wet, lips still tremulous, eyes still full of wonder, 
admiration, fervent gratitude, and love. 

In one usually so self- restrained as Gladys 
such joyful abandonment was doubly capti- 
vating and impressive. Canaris felt it so ; and, 
lifting her up, pressed her to a heart whose 
loud throbbing thanked her, even while he 
gently turned her face away, as if he could not 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 15 1 


bear to see and receive such worship from so 
pure a source. The unexpected humility in his 
voice touched her strangely, and made her feel 
more deeply than ever how genuine was the 
genius which should yet make him great, as well 
as beloved. 

“ I will do what you wish, for you see more 
clearly than I. You shall be happy, and I will 
be proud of doing it, even if no one else sees any 
good in my work.” 

“They will! they must! It may not be the 
grandest thing you will ever do, but it is so 
human, it cannot fail to touch and charm ; and 
to me that is as great an act as to astonish or 
dazzle by splendid learning or wonderful wit. 
Make it noble as well as beautiful, then people 
will love as well as praise you.” 

“ I will try, Gladys. I see now what I 
should have written, and — if I can — it shall be 
done.” 

“ I promised you inspiration, you remember : 
have I not kept my word ? ” asked Helwyze, 
forgotten, and content to be forgotten, until 
now. 

Canaris looked up quickly; but there was 
no gratitude in his face, as he answered, with 
his hand on the head he pressed against his 


152 A MODERN MEPHIST OPHELES. 


shoulder, and a certain subdued passion in his 
voice, — 

“You have: not the highest inspiration ; but, 
if she is happy, it will atone for much ” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 153 


XI. 

A ND Gladys was happy for a little while. 

Canaris labored doggedly till all was 
finished as she wished. Helwyze lent the aid 
which commands celerity; and early in the new 
year the book came out, to win for itself and its 
author the admiration and regard she had proph- 
esied. But while the outside world, with which 
she had little to do except through her husband, 
rejoiced over him and his work, she, in her own 
small world, where he was all in all, was finding 
cause to wonder and grieve at the change which 
took place in him. 

“ I have done my task, now let me play,” he 
said ; and play he did, quite as energetically as 
he had worked, though to far less purpose. 
Praise seemed to intoxicate him, for he appeared 
to forget every thing else, and bask in its sun- 
shine, as if he never could have enough of it. 
His satisfaction would have been called egre- 
gious vanity, had it not been so gracefully ex- 
pressed, and the work done so excellent that all 


154 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


agreed the young man had a right to be proud 
of it, and enjoy his reward as he pleased. He 
went out much, being again caressed and feted 
to his heart’s content, leaving Gladys to amuse 
Iielwyze ; for a very little of this sort of gayety 
satisfied her, and there was something painful 
to her in the almost feverish eagerness with 
which her husband sought and enjoyed excite- 
ment of all kinds. Glad and proud though she 
was, it troubled her to see him as utterly en- 
grossed as if existence had no higher aim than 
the most refined and varied pleasure ; and she 
began to feel that, though the task was done, 
she had not got him back again from that other 
mistress, who seemed to have bewitched him with 
her dazzling charms. 

“ He will soon have enough of it, and return 
to us none the worse. Remember how young 
he is ; how natural that he should love pleasure 
overmuch, when he gets it, since he has had so 
little hitherto,” said Helwyze, answering the 
silent trouble in the face of Gladys ; for she 
never spoke of her daily increasing anxiety. 

“But it does not seem to make him happy; 
and for that reason I sometimes think it cannot 
be the best kind of pleasure for him,” an- 
swered Gladys, remembering how flushed and 


A MODERN MEPHfSTOPHELES. 155 


weary he had been when he came in last night, 
so late that it was nearly dawn. 

“ He is one who will taste all kinds, and not 
be contented till he has had his fill. Roaming 
about Europe with that bad, brilliant father 
of his gave him glimpses of many things which 
he was too poor to enjoy then, but not too young 
to remember and desire now, when it is possi- 
ble to gratify the wish. Let him go, he will 
come back to you when he is tired. It is the 
only way to manage him, I find.” 

But Gladys did not think so ; and, finding that 
Helwyze would not speak, she resolved that she 
would venture to do it, for many things disturbed 
her, which wifely loyalty forbade her to repeat ; 
as well as a feeling that Helwyze would not 
see cause for anxiety in her simple fears, since 
he encouraged Felix in this reckless gayety. 

Some hours later, she found Canaris newly 
risen, sitting at his escritoire in their own room, 
with a strew of gold and notes before him, which 
he affected to be counting busily ; though when 
she entered she had seen him in a despondent 
attitude, doing nothing. 

“ How pale you look. Why will you stay so 
late and get these weary headaches ? ” she 
asked, stroking the thick locks off his forehead 
with a caressing touch. 


156 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


“ * Too late J stayed, forgive the crime j 
Unheeded flew the hours ; 

For lightly falls the foot ot time, 
That only treads on flowers.’ ” 


sang Canaris, looking up at her with an assump- 
tion of mirth, sadder than the melancholy which 
it could not wholly hide. 

“You make light of it, Felix; but I am sure 
you will fall ill, if you do not get more sleep and 
quieter dreams,” she said, still smoothing the 
glossy dark rings of which she was so proud. 

“ Cara mia , what do you know about my 
dreams ? ” he asked, with a hint of surprise in 
the manner, which was still careless. 

“You toss about, and talk so wildly some- 
times, that it troubles me to hear you.” 

“ I will stop it at once. What do I talk 
about ? Something amusing, I hope,” he asked, 
quickly. 

“ That I cannot tell, for you speak in French 
or Italian ; but you sigh terribly, and often seem 
angry or excited about something.” 

“ That is odd. I do not remember my 
dreams, but it is little wonder my poor wits 
are distraught, after all they have been through 
lately. Did I talk last night, and spoil your 
sleep, love?” asked Canaris, idly piling up a 


si MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 5 7 


little heap of coins, though listening intently 
for her reply. 

“Yes: you seemed very busy, and said more 
than once, * Le jeu est fait, rien ne va plus/ 
‘ Rouge gagne et couleur/ — or, 4 Rouge perd 
et couleur gagne.’ I know what those words 
mean, because I have read them in a novel ; 
and they trouble me from your lips, Felix.” 

“ I must have been dreaming of a week I once 
spent in Homberg, with my father. We don’t 
do that sort of thing here.” 

“ Not under the same name, perhaps. Dear, 
do you ever play ? ” asked Gladys, leaning her 
cheek against the head which had sunk a little, 
as he leaned forward to smooth out the crumpled 
notes before him. 

“ Why not ? One must amuse one’s self.” 

" Not so. Please promise that you will try 
some safer way ? This is not — honest.” She 
hesitated over the last word, for his tone had 
been short and sharp, but uttered it bravely, 
and stole an arm about his neck, mutely asking 
pardon for the speech which cost her so much. 

“ What is ? Life is all a lottery, and one 
must keep trying one’s luck while the wheel 
goes round ; for prizes are few and blanks 
many, you know.” 


158 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


“Ah, do not speak in that reckless way. 
Forgive me for asking questions ; but you are all 
I have, and I must take care of you, since no one 
else has the right.” 

“ Or the will. Ask what you please. I will 
tell you any thing, my visible conscience ; ” and 
Canaris took her in the circle of his arm, sub- 
dued by the courageous tenderness that made 
her what he called her. 

“ Is that all yours ? ” she whispered, pointing a 
small forefinger rather sternly at the money be- 
fore him, and sweetening the question with a kiss. 

“No, it is yours, every penny of it. Put it in 
the little drawer, and make merry with it, else I 
shall be sorry I won it for you.” 

“That I cannot do. Please do not ask me. 
There is always enough in the little drawer for 
me, and I like better to use the money you have 
earned.” 

“ Say, rather, the salary which you earn and 1 
spend. It is all wrong, Gladys ; but I cannot 
help it!” and Canaris pushed away his winnings, 
as if he despised them and himself. 

“It is my fault that you did this, because I 
begged you not to let Mr. Helwyze give me so 
much. I can take any thing from you, for I love 
you, but not from him ; so you try to make me 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 159 


V 


think you have enough to gratify my every wish. 
Is not that true ? ” 

“Yes: I hate to have you accept any thing 
from him, and find it harder to do so myself, 
than before you came. Yet I cannot help lik- 
ing play ; for it is an inherited taste, and he 
knows it.” 

“ And does not warn you ? ” 

“ Not he : I inherit my father’s luck as well as 
skill, and Helwyze enjoys hearing of my success 
in this, as in other things. We used to play 
together, till he tired of it. There is nothing 
equal to it when one is tormented with ennui /” 
“Felix, I fear that, though a kind friend, he is 
not a wise one. Why does he encourage your 
vices, and take no interest in strengthening your 
virtues ? Forgive me, but we all have both, and 
I want you to be as good as you are gifted,” she 
said, with such an earnest, tender face, he could 
not feel offended. 

“He does not care for that. The contest be- 
tween the good and evil in me interests him most, 
for he knows how to lay his hand on the weak or 
wicked spots in a man’s heart ; and playing with 
other people’s passions is his favorite amuse- 
ment. Have you not discovered this ? ” 

Canaris spoke gloomily, and Gladys shivered 


l6o A MODERN ME PH/S T OPHELES. 


as she held him closer, and answered in a 
whisper, — 

“Yes, I feel as if under a microscope when 
with him ; yet he is very kind to me, and very 
patient with my ignorance. Felix, is he trying 
to discover the evil in me, when he gives me 
strange things to read, and sits watching me 
while I do it ? ” 

“ Gott bewahre ! — but of this I am sure, he 
will find no evil in you, my white-souled little 
wife, unless he puts it there. Gladys, refuse to 
read what pains and puzzles you. I will not let 
him vex your peace. Can he not be content 
with me, since I am his, body and soul ? ” 

Canaris put her hastily away, to walk the room 
with a new sense of wrong hot within him at 
the thought of the dangers into which he had 
brought her against his will. But Gladys, car- 
ing only for him, ventured to add, with her kind- 
ling eyes upon his troubled face, — 

“ I will not let him vex your peace ! Refuse 
to do the things which you feel are wrong, lest 
what are only pleasures now may become terri- 
ble temptations by and by. I love and trust you 
as he never can ; I will not believe your vices 
stronger than your virtues ; and I will defend 
you, if he tries to harm the husband God has 
given me.'' 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. l6l 


“ Bless you for that ! it is so long since 1 have 
had any one to care for me, that I forget my 
duty to you. I am tired of all this froth and 
folly ; I will stay at home hereafter ; that will be 
safest, if not happiest.” 

He began impetuously, but his voice fell, and 
was almost inaudible at the last word, as he 
turned away to hide the expression of regret 
which he could not disguise. But Gladys heard 
and saw, and the vague fear which sometimes 
haunted her stirred again, and took form in the 
bitter thought, “ Home is not happy : am I the 
cause ? ” 

She put it from her instantly, as if doubt were 
dishonor, and spoke out in the cordial tone which 
always cheered and soothed him, — 

“ It shall be both, if I can make it so. Let 
me try, and perhaps I can do for you what Mr. 
Helwyze says I have done for him, — caused him 
to forget his troubles, and be glad he is alive.” 

Canaris swung round with a peculiar expres- 
sion on his face. 

“ He says that, does he ? Then he is satisfied 
with his bargain ! I thought as much, though 
he never condescended to confess it to me.” 

“ What bargain, Felix ? ” 

“ The pair of us. We were costly, but he got 


1 62 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


us, as he gets every thing he sets his heart upon. 
He was growing tired of me ; but when I would 
have gone, he kept me, by making it possible for 
me to win you for myself — and him. Six 
months between us have shown you this, I 
know, and it is in vain to hide from you how 
much I long to break away and be free again — 
if I ever can.” 

He looked ready to break away at once, and 
Gladys sympathized with him, seeing now the 
cause of his unrest. 

“ I know the feeling, for I too am tired of this 
life ; not because it is so quiet, but so divided. 
I want to live for you alone, no matter how poor 
and humble my place may be. Now I am so 
little with you, I sometimes feel as if I should 
grow less and less to you, till I am nothing but 
a burden and a stumbling-block. Can we not 
go and be happy somewhere else ? must we stay 
here all our lives?” she asked, confessing the 
desire which had been strengthening rapidly of 
late. 

“ While he lives I must stay, if he wants me. 
I cannot be ungrateful. Remember all he has 
done for me. It will not be long to wait, per- 
haps.” 

Canaris spoke hurriedly, as if regretting his 


A MODERN M E PHIS TOPHELES. 1 63 


involuntary outburst, and anxious to atone for it 
by the submission which always seemed at war 
with some stronger, if not nobler, sentiment. 
Gladys sat silent, lost in thought ; while her hus- 
band swept the ill-gotten money into a drawer, 
and locked it up, as if relieved to have it out of 
sight. Soon the cloud lifted, however ; and going 
to him, as he stood at the window, looking out 
with the air of a caged eagle, she said, with her 
hand upon his arm, — 

“You are right: we will be grateful and pa- 
tient ; but while we wait we must work, because 
in that one always finds strength and comfort. 
What can we do to earn the wherewithal to 
found our own little home upon when this is 
gone ? I have nothing valuable ; have you ? ” 

“ Nothing but this ; ” and he touched the 
bright head beside him, recalling the moment 
when she said her hair was all the gold she had. 

Gladys remembered it as well, and the prom- 
ise then made to help him, both as wife and 
woman. The time seemed to have come ; and, 
taking counsel of her own integrity, she had 
dared to speak in the “ sincere voice that made 
truth sweeter than falsehood.” Now she tried, 
in her simple way, to show how the self-respect 
he seemed in danger of losing might be pre* 


164 a modern mephistopheles. 


served by a task whose purpose would be both 
salvation and reward. 

“ Then let the wit inside this head of mine 
show you how to turn an honest penny,” she 
began, unfolding her plan with an enthusiasm 
which redeemed its most prosaic features. “ Mr. 
Helwyze says that even the best poetry is not 
profitable, except in fame. That you already 
have ; and pride and pleasure in the new book is 
enough, without spoiling it by being vexed about 
the money it may bring. But you can use your 
pen in other ways, before it is time to write 
another poem. One of these ways is the trans- 
lation of that curious Spanish book you were 
speaking of the other day. That will bring 
something, as it is rare and old ; and you, that 
have half a dozen languages at your tongue’s 
end, can easily* find plenty of such work, now 
that you do not absolutely need it.” 

“ That sounds a little bitter, Gladys. Don’t 
let my resentful temper spoil your sweet one.” 

“ I am learning fast ; among other things, that 
to him who hath, more shall be given ; so you, 
being a successful man, may hope for plenty of 
help from all now , though you were left to starve, 
when a kind word would have saved you so 
much suffering,” Gladys answered, not bitterly, 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 65 


but with a woman’s pitiful memory of the wrongs 
done those dearest her. 

“God knows it would]” ejaculated Canaris, 
with unusual fervor. 

“ Mr. Helwyze remembers that, I think ; and 
this is perhaps the reason why he is so generous 
now. Too much so for your good, I fear ; and so 
I speak, because, young as I am, 1 cannot help 
trying to watch over you, as a wife should.” 

“ I like it, Gladys. I am old, in many things, 
for my years, but a boy still in love, and you 
must teach me how to be worthy of all you give 
so generously and sweetly.” 

“ Do I give the most ? ” 

“All women do, they say. But go on, and 
tell the rest of this fine plan of yours. While I 
use my polyglot accomplishments, what becomes 
of you ? ” he asked, hastily returning to the 
safer subject ; for the wistful look in her eyes 
smote him to the heart. 

“I work also. You are still Mr. Helwyze’s 
homme d'affaires , as he calls you ; I am still his 
reader. But when he does not need me, I shall 
take up my old craft again, and embroider, as 
I used at home. You do not know how skilful I 
am with the needle, and never dreamed that the 
initials on the handkerchiefs you admired so 


1 66 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES - 


much were all my work. Oh, I am a thrifty wife, 
though such a little one!” and Gladys broke 
into her clear child’s laugh, which seemed to 
cheer them both, as a lark’s song makes music 
even in a cloud. 

Canaris laughed with her ; for these glimpses 
of practical gifts and shrewd common sense in 
Gladys were very like the discovery of a rock 
under its veil of moss, or garland of airy colum- 
bines. 

“ But what will he say to all this ? ” asked the 
young man, with a downward gesture of the 
finger, and in his eye a glimmer of malicious 
satisfaction at the thought of having at least 
one secret in which Helwyze had no part. 

“ We need not tell him. It is nothing to him 
what we do up here. Let him find out, if he 
cares to know,” answered Gladys, with a charm- 
ingly mutinous air, as she tripped away to her 
own little room. 

“ He will care, and he will find out. He has 
no right ; but that will not stop him,” returned 
Canaris, following to lean in the door-way, and 
watch her kneeling before a great basket, from 
which she pulled reels of gay silk, unfinished 
bits of work, and fragments of old lace. 

“ See !” she said, holding up one of the latter, 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 67 


“ I can both make and mend ; and one who is 
clever at this sort of thing can earn a pretty 
penny in a quiet way. Through my old employer 
I can get all the work I want ; so please do not 
forbid it, Felix: I should be so much happier, if 
I might?” 

“ I will forbid nothing that makes you happy. 
But Helwyze will be exceeding wroth when he 
discovers it, unless the absurdity of beggars liv- 
ing in a palace strikes him as it does me.” 

“ I am not afraid ! ” 

“ You never saw him in a rage : I have. Quite 
calm and cool, but rather awful, as he withers 
you with a look, or drives you half wild with a 
word that stings like a whip, and makes you hate 
him.” 

“ Still I would not fear him, unless I had done 
wrong.” 

“ He makes you feel so, whether you have or 
not ; and you ask pardon for doing what you 
know is right. It is singular, but he certainly 
does make black seem white, sometimes,” mused 
Canaris, knitting his brows with the old per- 
plexity. 

“ I am afraid so ; ” and Gladys folded up a 
sigh in the parcel of rosy floss she laid away. 
Then she chased the frown from her husband’s 


1 68 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


face by talking blithely of the home they would 
yet earn and enjoy together. 

Conscious that things were more amiss with 
him than she suspected, Canaris was glad to try 
the new cure, and soon found it so helpful, that 
he was anxious to continue it. Very pleasant were 
the hours they spent together in their own 
rooms, when the duties they owed Helwyze were 
done ; all the pleasanter for them, perhaps, be- 
cause this domestic league of theirs shut him out 
from their real life as inevitably as it drew them 
nearer to one another. 

The task now in hand was one that Canaris 
could do easily and well ; and Gladys’s example 
kept him at it when the charm of novelty was 
gone. While he wrote she sat near, so quietly 
busy, that he often forgot her presence ; but when 
he looked up, the glance of approval, the encour- 
aging word, the tender smile, were always ready, 
and wonderfully inspiring ; for this sweet com- 
rade grew dearer day by day. While he rested 
she still worked; and he loved to watch the 
flowery wonders grow beneath her needle, swift 
as skilful. Now a golden wheat-ear, a scarlet 
poppy, a blue violet; or the white embroidery, 
that made his eyes ache with following the tiny 
stitches, which seemed to sow seed-pearls along 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 69 


a hem, weave graceful ciphers, or make lace-work 
like a cobweb. 

Something in it pleased his artistic sense of 
the beautiful, and soothed him, as did the con- 
versation that naturally went on between them. 
Oftenest he talked, telling her more of his varied 
life than any other human being knew ; and in 
these confidences she found the clew to many 
things which had pained or puzzled her before ; 
because, spite of her love, Gladys was clear- 
sighted, even against her will. Then she would 
answer with the story of her monotonous days, 
her lonely labors, dreams, and hopes ; and they 
would comfort one another by making pictures 
of a future too beautiful ever to be true. 

Helwyze was quick to perceive the new change 
which came over Felix, the happy peace which 
had returned to Gladys. He “ did care, and he 
did find out,” what the young people were about. 
At first he smiled at the girl’s delusion in be- 
lieving that she could fix a nature so mercurial 
as that of Canaris, but did not wonder at his 
yielding, for a time at least, to such tender per- 
suasion ; and, calling them “ a pair of innocents,” 
Helwyze let them alone, till he discovered that 
his power was in danger. 

Presently, he began to miss the sense of un» 
8 


170 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES . 


divided control which was so agreeable to him. 
Canaris was as serviceable as ever, but no longer 
made him sole confidant, counsellor, and friend. 
Gladys was scrupulously faithful still, but her in- 
tense interest in his world of books was much les- 
sened : for she was reading a more engrossing 
volume than any of these, — the heart of the man 
she loved. Something was gone which he had 
bargained for, thought he had secured, and now 
felt wronged at losing, — an indescribable charm, 
especially pervading his intercourse with Gladys ; 
for this friendship, sweet as honey, pure as dew, 
had just begun to blossom, when a chilly breath 
seemed to check its progress, leaving only cheer- 
ful service, not the spontaneous devotion which 
had been so much to him. 

He said nothing ; but for all his imperturbabil- 
ity, it annoyed him, as the gnat annoyed the 
lion ; and, though scarcely acknowledged even to 
himself, it lurked under various moods and mo- 
tives, impelling him to words and acts which 
produced dangerous consequences. 

“ Pray forgive us, we are very late.” 

“ Time goes so fast, we quite forgot ! ” ex- 
claimed Felix and Gladys both together, as 
they hurried into the library, one bright March 
morning, looking so blithe and young, that 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. I/I 


Helwyze suddenly felt old and sad and bitter- 
hearted, as if they had stolen something from 
him. 

“I have learned to wait,” he said, with the 
cold brevity which was the only sign of dis- 
pleasure Gladys ever saw in him. 

In remorseful silence she hastened to find 
her place in the book they were reading ; but 
Canaris, who seemed bubbling over with good 
spirits, took no notice of the chill, and asked, 
with unabated cheerfulness, — 

“ Any commissions, sir, beside these letters ? 
I feel as if I ‘ could put a girdle round the earth 
in forty minutes,’ it is such a glorious, spring- 
like day.” 

“ Nothing but the letters. Stay a moment, 
while I add another ; ” and, taking up the pen he 
had laid by, Helwyze wrote hastily, — 

“To Olivia at the South: — 

“ The swallows will be returning soon ; return 
with them, if you can. I am deadly dull : come 
and make a little mischief to amuse me. I miss 

y° u - Jasper.” 

Sealing and directing this, he handed it to 
Canaris, who had been whispering to Gladys 
more like a lover than a husband of half a year’s 


172 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


standing. Something in the elder man’s face 
made the younger glance involuntarily at the 
letter as he took it. 

“ Olivia ? I promised to write her, but I ” — 

“ Dared not ? ” 

“No: I forgot it;” and Canaris went off, 
laughing at the grande passion , which now 
seemed very foolish and far away. 

“ This time, I think, you will remember, for I 
mean to fight fire with fire,” thought Helwyze, 
with a grim smile, such as Louis XI. might 
have worn when sending some gallant young 
knight to carry his own death-warrant. 


A MODERN M EP HIS T OP H EL ES. 1 73 


XII. 

f ’'V LI VI A came before the swallows ; for the 
three words, “I miss you,” would have 
brought her from the ends of the earth, had she 
exiled herself so far. She had waited for him to 
want and call her, as he often did when others 
wearied or failed him. Seldom had so long a 
time passed without some word from him ; and 
endless doubts, fears, conjectures, had harassed 
her, as month after month went by, and no 
summons came. Now she hastened, ready for 
any thing he might ask of her, since her reward 
would be a glimpse of the only heaven she 
knew. 

“ Amuse Felix: he is falling in love with his 
wife, and it spoils both of them for my use. He 
says he has forgotten you. Come often, and teach 
him to remember, as penalty for his bad taste 
and manners,” was the single order Helwyze 
gave ; but Olivia needed no other ; and, for the 
sake of coming often, would have smiled upon a 
far less agreeable man than Canaris. 


174 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


Gladys tried to welcome the new guest cor- 
dially, as an unsuspicious dove might have wel- 
comed a falcon to its peaceful cote ; but her heart 
sunk when she found her happy quiet sorely dis- 
turbed, her husband’s place deserted, and the 
old glamour slowly returning to separate them, in 
spite of all her gentle arts. For Canaris, feeling 
quite safe in the sincere affection which now 
bound him to his wife, was foolhardy in his 
desire to show Olivia how heart-whole he had 
become. This piqued her irresistibly, because 
Helwyze was looking on, and she would win his 
approval at any cost. So these three, from 
divers motives, joined together to teach poor 
Gladys how much a woman can suffer with 
silent fortitude and make no sign. 

The weeks that followed seemed unusually 
gay and sunny ones ; for April came in blandly, 
and Olivia made a pleasant stir throughout the 
house by her frequent visits, and the various 
excursions she proposed. Many of these Gladys 
escaped ; for her pain was not the jealousy that 
would drive her to out-rival her rival, but the 
sorrowful shame and pity which made her long 
to hide herself, till Felix should come back and 
be forgiven. Helwyze naturally declined the 
long drives, the exhilarating rides in the bright 


A MODERN ME PHIS T OPIIELES. 1 75 


spring weather, which were so attractive to the 
younger man, and sat at home watching Gladys, 
now more absorbingly interesting than ever. He 
could not but admire the patience, strength, and 
dignity of the creature ; for she made no com- 
plaint, showed no suspicion, asked no advice, 
but went straight on, like one who followed with 
faltering feet, but unwavering eye, the single 
star in all the sky that would lead her right. A 
craving curiosity to know what she felt and 
thought possessed him, and he invited confi- 
dence by unwonted kindliness, as well as the un- 
failing courtesy he showed her. 

But Gladys would not speak either to him or 
to her husband, who seemed wilfully blind to the 
slowly changing face, all the sadder for the smile 
it always wore when his eyes were on it. At 
first, Helwyze tried his gentlest arts ; but, finding 
her as true as brave, was driven, by the morbid 
curiosity which he had indulged till it became a 
mania, to use means as subtle as sinful, — like 
a burglar, who, failing to pick a lock, grows 
desperate and breaks it, careless of conse- 
quences. 

Taking his daily walk through the house, he 
once came upon Gladys watering the jardinibe , 
which was her especial care, and always kept 


176 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPIIELES. 


full of her favorite plants. She was not singing 
as she worked, but seriously busy as a child, 
holding in both hands her little watering-pot to 
shower the thirsty ferns and flowers, who turned 
up their faces to be washed with the silent 
delight which was their thanks. 

“ See how the dear things enjoy it ! I feel as 
if they knew and watched for me, and I never 
like to disappoint them of their bath,” she said, 
looking over her shoulder, as he paused beside 
her. She was used to this now, and was never 
surprised or startled when below stairs by his 
noiseless approach. 

“ They are doing finely. Did Moss bring in 
some cyclamens ? They are in full bloom now, 
and you are fond of them, I think?” 

“Yes, here they are: both purple and white, 
so sweet and lovely ! See how many buds this 
one has. I shall enjoy seeing them come out, 
they unfurl so prettily;” and, full of interest, 
Gladys parted the leaves to show several baby 
buds, whose rosy faces were just peeping from 
their green hoods. 

Helwyze liked to see her among the flowers ; 
for there was something, peculiarly innocent and 
fresh about her then, as if the woman forgot her 
griefs, and was a girl again. It struck him anew. 


A MODERN MEPHIS T OPHELES. 1 77 


as she stood there in the sunshine, leaning down 
to tend the soft leaves and cherish the delicate 
buds with a caressing hand. 

“ Like seeks like : you are a sort of cyclamen 
yourself. I never observed it before, but the 
likeness is quite striking,” he said, with the slow 
smile which usually prefaced some speech which 
bore a double meaning. 

“ Am I ? ” and Gladys eyed the flowers, 
pleased, yet a little shy, of compliment from 
him. 

“ This is especially like you,” continued Hel- 
wyze, touching one of the freshest. “ Out of 
these strong sombre leaves rises a wraith-like 
blossom, with white, softly folded petals, a rosy 
color on its modest face, and a most sweet per- 
fume for those whose sense is fine enough to 
perceive it. Most of all, perhaps, it resembles 
you in this, — it hides its heart, and, if one tries 
to look too closely, there is danger of snapping 
the slender stem.” 

“That is its nature, and it cannot help being 
shy. I kneel down and look up without touch- 
ing it ; then one sees that it has nothing to hide,” 
protested Gladys, following out the flower fancy, 
half in earnest, half in jest, for she felt there was 
a question and a reproach in his words. 

8* L 


178 A MODERN ML PHIS T OPHELES. 


" Perhaps not; let us see, in my way.” With 
a light touch Helwyze turned the reluctant cyc- 
lamen upward, and in its purple cup there clung 
a newly fallen drop, like a secret tear. 

Mute and stricken, Gladys looked at the little 
symbol of herself, owning, with a throb of pain, 
that if in nothing else, they were alike in 
that. 

Helwyze stood silent likewise, inhaling the 
faint fragrance while he softly ruffled the curled 
petals as if searching for another tear. Suddenly 
Gladys spoke out with the directness which 
always gave him a keen pleasure, asking, as she 
stretched her hand involuntarily to shield the 
more helpless flower, — 

“ Sir, why do you wish to read my heart ? ” 

“ To comfort it.” 

“ Do I need comfort, then ? ” 

“ Do you not ? ” 

“If I have a sorrow, God only can console 
me, and He only need know it. To you it 
should be sacred. Forgive me if I seem un- 
grateful ; but you cannot help me, if you would.” 
“ Do you doubt my will ? ” 

“ I try to doubt no one ; but I fear — I fear 
many things ; ” and, as if afraid of saying too 
much, Gladys broke off, to hurry away, wearing 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 79 


so strange a look that Helwyze was consumed 
with a desire to know its meaning. 

He saw no more of her till twilight, for Cana- 
ris took her place just then, reading a foreign 
book, which she could not manage ; but, when 
Felix went out, he sought one of his solitary 
haunts, hoping she would appear. 

She did ; for the day closed early with a gusty 
rain, and the sunset hour was gray and cold, 
leaving no after-glow to tint the western sky and 
bathe the great room in ruddy light. Pale and 
noiseless as a spirit, Gladys went to and fro, 
trying to quiet the unrest that made her nights 
sleepless, her days one long struggle to be pa 
tient, just, and kind. She tried to sing, but the 
song died in her throat ; she tried to sew, but 
her eyes were dim, and the flower under her 
needle only reminded her that “ pansies were for 
thoughts,” and hers, alas! were too sad for 
thinking ; she took up a book, but laid it down 
again, since Felix was not there to finish it with 
her. Her own rooms seemed so empty, she 
could not return thither when she had looked for 
him in vain ; and, longing for some human voice 
to speak to her, it was a relief to come upon Hel- 
wyze sitting in his lonely corner, — for she never 
now went to the library, unless duty called her. 


I SO A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES . 


“ A dull evening, and dull company,” he said, 
as she paused beside him, glad to have found 
something to take her out of herself, for a time 
at least. 

“ Such a long day ! and such a dreary night 
as it will be ! ” she answered, leaning her fore- 
head against the window-pane, to watch the 
drops fall, and listen to the melancholy wind. 

“ Shorten the one and cheer the other, as I do : 
sleep, dream, and forget.” 

“ I cannot !” and there was a world of suffering 
in the words that broke from her against her will. 

“Try my sleep-compeller as freely as I tried 
yours. See, these will give you one, if not all 
the three desired blessings, — quiet slumber, de- 
licious dreams, or utter oblivion for a time.” 

As he spoke, Helwyze had drawn out a little 
bonbonnibe of tortoise-shell and silver, which he 
always carried, and shaken into his palm half 
a dozen white comfits, which he offered to Gladys, 
with a benign expression born of real sympathy 
and compassion. She hesitated ; and he added, 
in a tone of mild reproach, which smote her 
generous heart with compunction, — 

“Since I may not even try to minister to 
your troubled mind, let me, at least, give a little 
rest to your weary body. Trust me, child, these 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. l8l 


cannot hurt you ; and, strong as you are, you 
will break down if you do not sleep.” 

Without a word, she took them ; and, as they 
melted on her tongue, first sweet, then bitter, she 
stood leaning against the rainy window-pane, 
listening to Helwyze, who began to talk as if 
he too had tasted the Indian drug, which “ made 
the face of Coleridge shine, as he conversed like 
one inspired.” 

It seemed a very simple, friendly act ; but this 
man had learned to know how subtly the mind 
works ; to see how often an apparently impulsive 
action is born of an almost unconscious thought, 
an unacknowledged purpose, a deeply hidden 
motive, which to many seem rather the child 
than the father of the deed. Helwyze did not 
deceive himself, and owned that baffled desire 
prompted that unpremeditated offer, and was 
ready to avail itself of any self-betrayal which 
might follow its acceptance, for he had given 
Gladys hasheesh. 

It could not harm ; it might soothe and com- 
fort her unrest. It surely would make her forget 
for a while, and in that temporary oblivion per- 
haps he might discover what he burned to know. 
The very uncertainty of its effect added to the 
daring of the deed ; and. while he talked, he 


1 82 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


waited to see how it would affect her, well know- 
ing that in such a temperament as hers all 
processes are rapid. For an hour he conversed 
so delightfully of Rome and its wonders, that 
Gladys was amazed to find Felix had come in, 
unheard for once. 

All through dinner she brightened steadily, 
thinking the happy mood was brought by her 
prodigal’s return, quite forgetting Helwyze and 
his bitter-sweet bonbons. 

“ I shall stay at home, and enjoy the society of 
my pretty wife. What have you done to make 
yourself so beautiful to-night ? Is it the new 
gown ? ” asked Canaris, surveying her with 
laughing but most genuine surprise and satisfac- 
tion as they returned to the drawing-room again. 

“ It is not new : I made it long ago, to please 
you, but you never noticed it before,” answered 
Gladys, glancing at the pale-hued dress, all 
broad, soft folds from waist to ankle, with its 
winter trimming of swan’s down at the neck 
and wrists ; simple, but most becoming to her 
fiower-like face and girlish figure. 

“ What cruel blindness ! But I see and ad- 
mire it now, and honestly declare that not Olivia 
in all her splendor is arrayed so much to my 
taste as you, my Sancta Simplicitas ” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 83 


“ It is pleasant to hear you say so ; but that 
alone does not make me happy : it must be 
having you at home all to myself again,” she 
whispered, with shining eyes, cheeks that glowed 
with a deeper rose each hour, and an indescriba- 
bly blest expression in a face which now was 
both brilliant and dreamy. 

Helwyze heard what she said, and, fearing to 
lose sight of her, promptly challenged Canaris 
to chess, a favorite pastime with them both. For 
an hour they played, well matched and keenly 
interested, while Gladys sat by, already tasting 
the restful peace, the delicious dreams, promised 
her. 

The clock was on the stroke of eight, the 
game was nearly over, when a quick ring arrested 
Helwyze in the act of making the final move. 
There was a stir in the hall, then, bringing with 
her a waft of fresh, damp air, Olivia appeared, 
brave in purple silk and Roman gold. 

“ I thought you were all asleep or dead ; but 
now I see the cause of this awful silence,” she 
cried. “ Don’t speak, don’t stir; let me enjoy 
the fine tableau you make. Retsch’s * Game of 
Life,’ quite perfect, and most effective.” 

It certainly was to an observer ; for Canaris, 
flushed and eager, looked the young man to the 


1 84 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


life ; Helwyze, calm but intent, with his finger 
on his lip, pondering that last fateful move, 
was an excellent Satan ; and behind them stood 
Gladys, wonderfully resembling the wistful angel, 
with that new brightness on her face. 

“ Which wins ? ” asked Olivia, rustling toward 
them, conscious of having made an impressive 
entrance; for both men looked up to welcome 
her, though Gladys never lifted her eyes from 
the mimic battle Felix seemed about to lose. 

“I do, as usual,” answered Helwyze, turning 
to finish the game with the careless ease of a 
victor. 

“ Not this time ; ” and Gladys touched a piece 
which Canaris in the hurry of the moment was 
about to overlook. He saw its value at a glance, 
made the one move that could save him, and in 
an instant cried “ Checkmate,” with a laugh of 
triumph. 

“ Not fair, the angel interfered,” said Olivia, 
shaking a warning finger at Gladys, who echoed 
her husband’s laugh with one still more exultant, 
as she put her hand upon his shoulder, saying, in 
a low, intense voice never heard from her lips 
before, — 

“ I have won him ; he is mine, and cannot be 
taken from me any more.” 


A MODERN MEP HIS T OP H EL ES. 1 85 


“ Dearest child, no one wants him, except to 
play with and admire,” began Olivia, rather 
startled by the look and manner of the lately 
meek, mute Gladys. 

Here Helwyze struck in, anxious to avert 
Olivia’s attention ; for her undesirable presence 
disconcerted him, since her woman’s wit might 
discover what it was easy to conceal from Ca- 
naris. 

“You have come to entertain us, like the ami- 
able enchantress that you are ? ” he asked, sug- 
gestively; for nothing charmed Olivia more 
than permission to amuse him, when others 
failed. 

“ I have a thought, — a happy thought, — if 
Gladys will help me. You have given me one 
living picture : I will give you others, and she 
shall sing the scenes we illustrate.” 

“Take Felix, and give us ‘The God and the 
Bayadere,’ ” said Helwyze, glancing at the young 
pair behind them, he intent upon their con* 
versation, she upon him. “ No, I will have 
only Gladys. You will act and sing for us, I 
know ? ” and Olivia turned to her with a most 
engaging smile. 

“ I never acted in my life, but I will try. I 
think I should like it for I feel as if I could do 


1 86 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


any thing to-night ; ” and she came to them 
with a swift step, an eager air, as if longing to 
find some outlet for the strange energy which 
seemed to thrill every nerve and set her heart 
to beating audibly. 

“You look so. Do you know all these 
songs ? ” asked Olivia, taking up the book 
which had suggested her happy thought. 

“ There are but four : I know them all. I will 
gladly sing them ; for I set them to music, if they 
had none of their own already. I often do that 
to those Felix writes me.” 

“ Come, then. I want the key of the great 
press, where you keep your spoils, Jasper.” » 

“ Mrs. Bland will give it you. Order what you 
will, if you are going to treat us to an Arabian 
Night’s entertainment.” 

“ Better than that. We are going to teach a 
small poet, by illustrating the work of a great 
one ; ” and, with a mischievous laugh, Olivia van- 
ished, beckoning Gladys to follow. 

The two men beguiled the time as best they 
might : Canaris playing softly to himself in the 
music-room ; Helwyze listening intently to the 
sounds that came from behind the curtains, now 
dropped over a double door-way leading to the 
lower end of the hall. Olivia’s imperious voice 


A MODERN M EP HIS T OPHELES. 1 87 


was heard, directing men and maids. More than 
once an excited laugh from Gladys jarred upon 
his ear ; and, as minute after minute passed, his 
impatience to see her again increased. 


1 88 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


XIII. 



FTER what would have seemed a wonder- 


■*“ fully short time to a more careless waiter, 
three blows were struck, in the French fashion, 
and Canaris had barely time to reach his place, 
when the deep blue curtains slid noiselessly 
apart, showing the visible portion of the hall, ar 
ranged to suggest a mediaeval room. An easy 
task, when a suit of rusty armor already stood 
there ; and Helwyze had brought spoils from all 
quarters of the globe, in the shape of old furni- 
ture, tapestry, weapons, and trophies of many a 
wild hunt. 

“ What is it ? ” whispered Canaris eagerly. 
“An Idyl of the King.” 

“ I see : the first. How well they look it ! ” 
They did ; Olivia, as 


“ An ancient dame in dim brocade 


And near her, like a blossom, vermeil-white, 

That lightly breaks a faded flower-sheath, 

Stood the fair Enid, all in faded silk.’* 

Gladys, clad in a quaint costume of tarnished 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 89 


gray and silver damask, singing, in “ the sweet 
voice of a bird,” — 


"‘Turn, Fortune, turn thy wheel, and lower the proud; 

Turn thy wild wheel through sunshine, storm, and cloud; 

Thy wheel and thee we neither love nor hate. 

"Turn, Fortune, turn thy wheel with smile and frown ; 

With that wild wheel we go not up nor down ; 

Our hoard is little, but our hearts are great. 

“ Smile and we smile, the lords of many lands ; 

Frown and we smile, the lords of our own hands ; 

For man is man and master of his fate. 

"Turn, turn thy wheel above the staring crowd ; 

Thy wheel and thou art shadows in the cloud ; 

Thy wheel and thee we neither love nor hate.” 

There was something inexpressibly touching 
in the way Gladys gave the words, which had 
such significance addressed to those who list- 
ened so intently, that they nearly forgot to pay 
the tribute which all actors, the greatest as the 
least, desire,- when the curtain dropped, and the 
song was done. 

“A capital idea of Olivia’s, and beautifully 
carried out. This promises to be pleasant ; ” 
and Helwyze sat erect upon the divan, where 
Canaris came to lounge beside him. 

“Which comes next? I don’t remember. 
If it is Vivien, they will have to skip it, unless 


190 A MODERN ME PH/S T OPHELES. 


they call you in for Merlin,” he said, talking 
gayly, because a little conscience-stricken by 
the look Gladys wore, as she sung, with her eyes 
upon him, — 

“Our hoard is little, but our hearts are great.” 

" They will not want a Merlin ; for Gladys 
could not act Vivien, if she would,” answered 
Helwyze, tapping restlessly as he waited. 

“ She said she could do ‘ any thing * to-night ; 
and, upon my life, she looked as if she might even 
beguile you * mighty master/ of your strongest 
spell” 

“ She will never try.” 

But both were mistaken ; for, when they 
looked again, the dim light showed a dark and 
hooded shape, with glittering eyes and the 
semblance of a flowing, hoary beard, leaning 
half-hidden in a bower of tall shrubs from the 
conservatory. It was Olivia, as Merlin ; and, 
being of noble proportions, she looked the 
part excellently. Upon the wizard’s knee sat 
Vivien, — 

“ A twist of gold was round her hair ; 

A robe of samite without price, that more exprest 
Than hid her, clung about her lissome limbs, 

In color like the satin-shining palm 
On sallows in the windy gleams of March.” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 191 


In any other mood, Gladys would never have 
consented to be loosely clad in a great mantle 
of some Indian fabric, which shimmered like 
woven light, with its alternate stripes of gold- 
covered silk and softest wool. Shoulders and arms 
showed rosy white under the veil of hair which 
swept to her knee, as she clung there, singing 
sweet and low, with eyes on Merlin’s face, lips 
near his own, and head upon his breast : — 

“In Love, if Love be Love, if Love be ours, 

Faith and unfaith can ne’er be equal powers ; 

Unfaith in aught is want of faith in all. 

“ It is the little rift within the lute 
That by and by will make the music mute, 

And ever widening, slowly silence all. 

1 ‘The little rift within the lover’s lute, 

Or little pitted speck in garner’d fruit, 

That, rotting inward, slowly moulders all. 

“ It is not worth the keeping : let it go : 

But shall it ? Answer, darling, answer ‘ No ; * 

And trust me not at all or all in all.” 

There Gladys seemed to forget her part, and, 
turning, stretched her arms towards her hus- 
band, as if in music she had found a tongue to 
plead her cause. The involuntary gesture re- 
called to her that other verse which Vivien 
added to her song ; and something impelled her 
to sing it, standing erect, with face, figure, voice 


192 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


all trembling with the strong emotion that sud- 
denly controlled her : — 

“ My name, once mine, now thine, is closelier mine, 

For fame could fame be mine, that fame were thine ; 

And shame, could shame be thine, that shame were mine ; 
So t:ust me not at all or all in all.” 

Down fell the curtain there, and the two men 
looked at one another in silence for an instant, 
dazzled, troubled, and surprised ; for in this 
brilliant, impassioned creature they did not 
recognize the Gladys they believed they knew 
so well. 

“ What possessed her to sing that ? She is so 
unlike herself, I do not know her,” said Canaris, 
excited by the discoveries he was making. 

“ She is inspired to-night ; so be prepared for 
any thing. These women will work wonders, 
they are acting to the men they love,” answered 
Helwyze, warily, yet excited also ; because, for 
him, a double drama was passing on that little 
stage, and he found it marvellously fascinating. 

“ I never knew how beautiful she was ! ” 
mused Canaris, half aloud, his eyes upon the 
blue draperies which hid her from his sight. 

‘‘You never saw her in such gear before. 
Splendor suits her present mood, as well as sim- 
plicity becomes her usual self-restraint. You 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 93 


have made her jealous, and your angel will prove 
herself a woman, after all.” 

“ Is that the cause of this sudden change in 
her ? Then I don’t regret playing truant, for 
the woman suits me better than the angel,” 
cried Canaris, conscious that the pale affection 
he had borne his wife so long was already glow- 
ing with new warmth and color, in spite of his 
seeming neglect. 

“Wait till you see Olivia as Guinevere. I 
know she cannot resist that part, and I suspect 
she is willing to efface herself so far that she 
may take us by storm by and by.” 

Helwyze prophesied truly ; and, when next 
the curtains parted, the stately Queen sat in the 
nunnery of Almesbury, with the little novice at 
her feet. Olivia was right splendid now, for her 
sumptuous beauty well became the costly stuffs 
in which she had draped herself with the grace- 
ful art of a woman whose physical loveliness was 
her best possession. A trifle too gorgeous, per- 
haps, for the repentant Guinevere ; but a most 
grand and gracious spectacle, nevertheless, as 
she leaned in the tall carved chair, with jew- 
elled arms lying languidly across her lap, and 
absent eyes still full of love and longing for lost 
Launcelot. 


9 


M 


194 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


Gladys, in white wimple and close-folded gown 
of gray, sat on a stool beside the “ one low light/’ 
humming softly, her rosary fallen at her feet, — 

“ the Queen looked up, and said, 

‘ O maiden, if indeed you list to sing 

Sing, and unbind my heart, that I may weep. 

Whereat full willingly sang the little maid, 

Late, late, so late ! and dark the night and chill I 

Late, late, so late ! but we can enter still. 

Too late ! too late 1 ye cannot enter now. 

No light had we : for that we do repent, 

And, learning this, the bridegroom will relent. 

Too late I too late ! ye cannot enter now. 

No light, so late ! and dark and chill the night 1 

O let us in, that we may find the light ! 

Too late ! too late ! ye cannot enter now. 

Have we not heard the bridegroom is so sweet ? 

O let us in, tho’ late, to kiss his feet ! 

No, no, too late ! ye cannot enter now.” 

Slowly the proud head had drooped, the statel) 
figure sunk, till, as the last lament died away, 
nothing remained of splendid Guinevere but a 
hidden face, a cloud of black hair from which 
the crown had fallen, a heap of rich robes quiver- 
ing with the stormy sobs of a guilty woman’s 
smitten heart. The curtains closed on this 
tableau, which was made the more effective by 
the strong contrast between the despairing 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 95 


Queen and the little novice telling her beads in 
meek dismay. 

“ Good heavens, that sounded like the wail of 
a lost soul ! My blood runs cold, and I feel as if 
I ought to say my prayers,” muttered Canaris, 
with a shiver ; for, with his susceptible tempera- 
ment, music always exerted over him an almost 
painful power. 

“ If you knew any,” sneered Helwyze, whose 
eyes now glittered with something stronger than 
excitement. 

“ I do : Gladys taught me, and I am not 
ashamed to own it.” 

“ Much good may it do you.” Then, in a 
quieter tone, he asked, “ Is there any song in 
‘ Elaine ’ ? I forget ; and that is the only one we 
have not had.” 

“There is ‘The Song of Love and Death.* 
Gladys was learning it lately ; and, if I remem- 
ber rightly, it was heart-rending. I hope she 
will not sing it, for this sort of thing is rather 
too much for me ; ” and Canaris got up to wander 
aimlessly about, humming the gayest airs he 
knew, as if to drown the sorrowful “ Too late ! 
too late ! ” still wailing in his ear. 

By this time Gladys was no longer quite her- 
self : an inward excitement possessed her, a wild 


196 A MODERN MEPH/STOPHELES. 


desire to sing her very heart out came over her, 
and a strange chill, which she thought a vague 
presentiment of coming ill, crept through her 
blood. Every thing seemed vast and awful ; 
every sense grew painfully acute ; and she walked 
in a dream, so vivid, yet so mysterious, that 
she did not try to explain it even to herself. Her 
identity was doubled : one Gladys moved and 
spoke as she was told, — a pale, dim figure, of 
no interest to any one ; the other was alive in 
every fibre, thrilled with intense desire for some- 
thing, and bent on finding it, though deserts, 
oceans, and boundless realms of air were passed 
to gain it. 

Olivia wondered at her unsuspected power, 
and felt a little envious of her enchanting gift. 
But she was too absorbed in “ setting the stage,” 
dressing her prima donna, and planning how to 
end the spectacle with her favorite character of 
Cleopatra, to do more than observe that Gladys’s 
eyes were luminous and large, her face growing 
more and more colorless, her manner less and 
less excited, yet unnaturally calm. 

“This is the last, and you have the stage 
alone. Do your best for Felix; then you shall 
rest and be thanked,” she whispered, somewhat 
anxiously, as she placed Elaine in her tower, 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. K)7 


leaning against the dark screen, which was un- 
folded, to suggest the casement she flung back 
when Launcelot passed below, — 


“ And glanced not up, nor waved his hand, 

Nor bade farewell, but sadly rode away.” 

The “lily maid of Astolat ” could not have looked 
more wan and weird than Gladys, as she stood 
in her trailing robes of dead white, with loosely 
gathered locks, hands clasped over the gay bit of 
tapestry which simulated the cover of the shield, 
eyes that seemed to see something invisible to 
those about her, and began her song, in a veiled 
voice, at once so sad and solemn, that Helwyze 
held his breath, and Canaris felt as if she called 
him from beyond the grave : — 

“ Sweet is true love, tho’ given in vain, in vain ; 

And sweet is death, who puts an end to pain ; 

I know not which is sweeter, no, not I. 

Love, art thou sweet ? then bitter death must be ; 

Love, thou art bitter ; sweet is death to me. 

0 Love, if death be sweeter, let me die. 

Sweet love, that seems not made to fade away, 

Sweet death, that seems to make us loveless clay 

1 know not which is sweeter, no, not I. 

I fain would follow love, if that could be ; 

I needs must follow death, who calls for me : 

Call and I follow, I follow ! let me die ! ” 


198 A MODERN ME PH/S T OPHELES . 


Carried beyond self-control by the unsuspected 
presence of the drug, which was doing its work 
with perilous rapidity, Gladys, remembering only 
that the last line should be sung with force, and 
that she sung for Felix, obeyed the wild impulse 
to let her voice rise and ring out with a shrill, 
despairing power and passion, which startled 
every listener, and echoed through the room, like 
Elaine’s unearthly cry of hapless love and death. 

Olivia dropped her asp, terrified ; the maids 
stared, uncertain whether it was acting or insan- 
ity ; and Helwyze sprung up aghast, fearing that 
he had dared too much. But Canaris, seeing 
only the wild, woful eyes fixed on his, the hands 
wrung as if in pain, forgot every thing but 
Gladys, and rushed between the curtains, ex- 
claiming in real terror, — 

“ Don’t look so ! don’t sing so ! my God, she 
is dying ! ” 

Not dying, only slipping fast into the uncon- 
scious stage of the hasheesh dream, whose coming 
none can foretell but those accustomed to its 
use. Pale and quiet she lay in her husband’s 
arms, with half-open eyes and fluttering breath, 
smiling up at him so strangely that he was 
bewildered as well as panic-stricken. Olivia 
forgot her Cleopatra to order air and water ; the 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 1 99 


maids flew for salts and wine; Helwyze with 
difficulty hid his momentary dismay ; while Ca- 
naris, almost beside himself, could only hang 
over the couch where lay “ the lily-maid,” looking 
as if already dead, and drifting down to Camelot. 

“ Gladys, do you know me ? ” he cried, as a 
little color came to her lips after the fiery 
draught Olivia energetically administered. 

The eyes opened wider, the smile grew 
brighter, and she lifted her hand to bring him 
nearer, for he seemed immeasurably distant. 

" Felix ! Let me be still, quite still ; I want 
to sleep. Good-night, good-night.” 

She thought she kissed him ; then his face 
receded, vanished, and, as she floated buoyantly 
away upon the first of the many oceans to be 
crossed in her mysterious quest, a far-off voice 
seemed to say, solemnly, as if in a last fare- 
well, — 

“ Hush ! let her sleep in peace.” 

It was Helwyze ; and, having felt her pulse, he 
assured them all that she was only over-excited, 
must rest an hour or two, and would soon be 
quite herself again. So the brief panic ended 
quietly ; and, having lowered the lights, spread 
Guinevere’s velvet mantle over her, and re- 
assured themselves that she was sleeping calmly 


200 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


the women went to restore order to ante-room 
and hall, Canaris sat down to watch beside 
Gladys, and Helwyze betook himself to the 
library. 

“Is she still sleeping?” he asked, with un- 
concealable anxiety, when Olivia joined him 
there. 

“Like a baby. What a high-strung little 
thing it is. If she had strength to bear the 
training, she would make a cantatrice to be 
proud of, Jasper.” 

“Ah, but she never would ! Fancy that mod- 
est creature on a stage for all the world to gape 
at. She was happiest in the nun’s gown to- 
night, though simply ravishing as Vivien. The 
pretty, bare feet were most effective ; but how 
did you persuade her to it?” 

“ I had no sandals as a compromise : I there- 
fore insisted that the part must be so dressed or 
undressed, and she submitted. People usually 
do, when I command.” 

“ She was on her mettle : I could see that ; 
and well she might be, with you for a rival. I 
give you my word, Olivia, if I did not know you 
were nearly forty, I should swear it was a lie ; 
for ‘age cannot wither nor custom stale’ my 
handsome Cleopatra. We ought to have had 


A MODERN MEP HI S T OP H EL ES. 201 


that, by the by : it used to be your best bit. I 
could not be your Antony, but Felix might : he 
adores costuming, and would do it capitally.” 

“Not old enough. Ah! what happy times 
those were ; ” and Olivia sighed sincerely, yet 
dramatically, for she knew she was looking 
wonderfully well, thrown down upon a couch, 
with her purple skirts sweeping about her, and 
two fine arms banded with gold clasped over her 
dark head. 

Helwyze had flattered with a purpose. Canaris 
was in the way, Gladys might betray herself, 
and all was not safe yet ; though in one respect 
the experiment had succeeded admirably, for he 
still tingled with the excitement of the evening. 
Now he wanted help, not sentiment, and, ignor- 
ing the sigh, said, carelessly, — 

“If all obey when you insist, just make Felix 
go home with you. The drive will do him good, 
for he is as nervous as a woman, and I shall 
have him fidgeting about all night, unless he for- 
gets his fright.” 

“ But Gladys ? ” 

“ She will be the better for a quiet nap, and 
ready, by the time he returns, to laugh at her 
heroics. He will only disturb her if he sits 
there, like a mourner at a death-bed.” 

9 * 


202 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


“ That sounds sensible and friendly, and you 
do it very well, Jasper; but I am impressed that 
something is amiss. What is it? Better tell 
me ; I shall surely find it out, and will not work 
in the dark. I see mischief in your eyes, and 
you cannot deceive me.” 

Olivia spoke half in jest; but she had so often 
seen his face without a mask, that it was difficult 
to wear one in her presence. He frowned, hesi- 
tated, then fearing she would refuse the favor if 
he withheld the secret, he leaned towards her 
and answered in a whisper, — 

“ I gave Gladys hasheesh, and do not care to 
have Felix know it.” 

“ Jasper, how dared you?” 

“ She was restless, suffering for sleep. I know 
what that is, and out of pity gave her the 
merest taste. Upon my honor, no more than a 
child might safely take. She did not know 
what it was, and I thought she would only feel 
its soothing charm. She would, if it had not 
been for this masquerading. I did not count on 
that, and it was too much for her.” 

“ Will she not suffer from the after-effects ? ” 
“Not a whit, if she is let alone. An hour 
hence she will be deliciously drowsy, and to- 
morrow none the worse. I had no idea it would 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 203 


affect her so powerfully ; but I do not regret it, 
for it showed what the woman is capable of.” 

“ At your old tricks. You will never learn to 
let your fellow-creatures alone, till something 
terrible stops you. You were always prying 
into things, even as a boy, when I caught butter- 
flies for you to look at.” 

“ I never killed them : only brushed off a trifle 
of the gloss by my touch, and let them go again, 
none the worse, except for the loss of a few in- 
visible feathers.” 

“Ah ! but that delicate plumage is the glory of 
the insect ; robbed of that, its beauty is marred. 
No one but their Maker can search hearts with- 
out harming them. I wonder how it will fare 
with yours when He looks for its perfection ? ” 

Olivia spoke with a sudden seriousness, a 
yearning look, which jarred on nerves already 
somewhat unstrung, and Helwyze answered, in 
a mocking tone that silenced her effectually, — 

“ I am desperately curious to know. If I can 
come and tell you, I will: such pious interest 
deserves that attention.” 

“Heaven forbid!” ejaculated Olivia, with a 
shiver. 

“ Then I will not. I have been such a poor 
ghost here, I suspect I shall be glad to rest eter- 
nally when I once fall asleep, if I can.” 


204 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


Weary was his voice, weary his attitude, as, 
leaning an elbow on either knee, he propped his 
chin upon his hands, and sat brooding for a 
moment with his eyes upon the ground, asking 
himself for the thousandth time the great ques- 
tion which only hope and faith can answer truly. 

Olivia rose. “ You are tired ; so am I. Good- 
night, Jasper, and pleasant dreams. But remem- 
ber, no more tampering with Gladys, or I must 
tell her husband.” 

"I have had my lesson. Take Felix with you, 
and I will send Mrs. Bland to sit with her till he 
comes back. Good-night, my cousin ; thanks 
for a glimpse of the old times.” Such words, 
uttered with a pressure of the hand, conquered 
Olivia’s last scruple, and she went away to pre- 
fer her request in a form which made it impossi- 
ble for Canaris to refuse. Gladys still slept 
quietly. The distance was not long, the fresh air 
grateful, Olivia her kindest self, and he obeyed, 
believing that the motherly old woman would 
take his place as soon as certain housewifely 
duties permitted. 

Then Helwyze did an evil thing, — a thing few 
men could or would have done. He deliberately 
violated the sanctity of a human soul, robbing 
it alike of its most secret and most precious 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 205 


thoughts. Hasheesh had lulled the senses which 
guarded the treasure •, now the magnetism of a 
potent will forced the reluctant lips to give up 
the key. 

Like a thief he stole to Gladys’ side, took in 
his the dimpled hands whose very childishness 
should have pleaded for her, and fixed his eyes 
upon the face before him, untouched by its help- 
less innocence, its unnatural expression. The 
half-open eyes were heavy as dew-drunken 
violets, the sweet red mouth was set, the agi- 
tated bosom still rose and fell, like a troubled sea 
subsiding after storm. 

So sitting, stern and silent as the fate he be- 
lieved in, Helwyze concentrated every power 
upon the accomplishment of the purpose to 
which he bent his will. He called it psychologi- 
cal curiosity ; for not even to himself did he dare 
confess the true meaning of the impulse which 
drove him to this act, and dearly did he pay 
for it. 

Soon the passive palms thrilled in his own, the 
treath came faint and slow, color died, and life 
seemed to recede from the countenance, leaving a 
pale effigy of the woman ; lately so full of vitality. 
“It works ! it works ! ” muttered Helwyze, lifting 
his head at length to wipe the dampness from 


20 6 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


his brow, and send a piercing glance about the 
shadowy room. Then, kneeling down beside the 
couch, he put his lips to her ear, whispering in a 
tone of still command, — 

“ Gladys, do you hear me ? ” 

Like the echo of a voice, so low, expression- 
less, and distant was it, the answer came, — 

“ I hear.” 

“ Will you answer me ? ” 

“ I must.” 

“ You have a sorrow, — tell it.” 

“All is so false. I am unhappy without 
confidence,” sighed the voice. 

“ Can you trust no one ? ” 

“No one here, but Felix.” 

“Yet he deceives, he does not love you.” 

“ He will.” 

“ Is this the hope which sustains you ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“ And you forgive, you love him still ?” 
“Always.” 

“ If the hope fails ? ” 

“It will not : I shall have help.” 

“ What help ? ” 

No answer now, but the shadow of a smile 
seemed to float across the silent lips as if re- 
flected from a joy too deep and tender for 
speech to tell. 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 20 7 


“ Speak ! what is this happiness ? The hope 
of freedom ? ” 

“It will come.” 

“ How?” 

“ When you die.” 

He caught his breath, and for an instant 
seemed daunted by the truth he had evoked ; 
for it was terrible, so told, so heard. 

“You hate me, then?” he whispered, almost 
fiercely, in the ear that never shrank from his 
hot lips. 

“ I doubt and dread you.” 

“ Why, Gladys, why ? To you I am not cruel.” 
“ Too kind, alas, too kind ! ” 

“ And yet you fear me ? ” 

“God help us. Yes.” 

“ What is your fear ? ” 

“ No, no, I will not tell it ! ” 

Some inward throe of shame or anguish 
turned the pale face paler, knotted the brow, 
and locked the lips, as if both soul and body 
revolted from the thought thus ruthlessly 
dragged to light. Instinct, the first, last, strong- 
est impulse of human nature, struggled blindly 
to save the woman from betraying the dread 
which haunted her heart like a spectre, and 
burned her lips in the utterance of its name. 


208 A MODERN MEPH1ST0PHELES. 


But Helwyze was pitiless, his will indomitable ; 
his eye held, his hand controlled, his voice com- 
manded; and the answer came, so reluctantly, 
so inaudibly, that he seemed to divine, not 
hear it. 

“ What fear?” 

“ Your love.” 

“ You see, you know it, then ? ” 

“ I do not see, I vaguely feel ; I pray God I 
may never know.” 

With the involuntary recoil of a guilty joy, 
a shame as great, Helwyze dropped the nerve- 
less hands, turned from the mutely accusing 
face, let the troubled spirit rest, and asked no 
more. But his punishment began as he stood 
there, finding the stolen truth a heavier burden 
than baffled doubt or desire had been ; since for- 
bidden knowledge was bitter to the taste, for- 
bidden love possessed no sweetness, and the 
hidden hope, putting off its well-worn disguise, 
confronted him in all its ugliness. 

An awesome silence filled the room, until he 
lifted up his eyes, and looked at Gladys with a 
look which would have wrung her heart could 
she have seen it. She did not see ; for she lay 
there so still, so white, so dead, he seemed to 
have scared away the soul he had vexed with his 
impious questioning. 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 20g 


In remorseful haste, Helwyze busied himself 
about her, till she woke from that sleep within a 
sleep, moaned wearily, closed the unseeing eyes, 
and drifted away into more natural slumber, 
dream-haunted, but deep and quiet. 

Then he stole away as he had come, and, send- 
ing the old woman to watch Gladys, shut him- 
self into his own room, to keep a vigil which 
lasted until dawn ; for all the poppies of the East 
could not have brought oblivion that night. 


210 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


XIV. 

TT seemed as if some angel had Gladys in 
A especial charge, bringing light out of dark- 
ness, joy out of sorrow, good out of evil ; for no 
harm came to her, — only a great peace, which 
transfigured her face till it was as spiritually 
beautiful, as that of some young Madonna. 

Waking late the next day she remembered 
little of the past night’s events, and cared to re- 
member little, having clearer and calmer thoughts 
to dwell upon, happier dreams to enjoy. 

She suspected Helwyze of imprudent kind- 
ness, but uttered no reproach, quite unconscious 
of how much she had to forgive ; thereby inno- 
cently adding to both the relief and the remorse 
he felt. The doubt and dread which had risen 
to the surface at his command, seemed to sink 
again into the depths ; and hope and love, to still 
the troubled waters where her life-boat rode at 
anchor for a time. 

Canaris, as if tired of playing truant, was 
ready now to be forgiven ; more conscious than 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 21 1 


ever before that this young wife was a posses- 
sion to be proud of, since, when she chose, she 
could eclipse even Olivia. The jealousy which 
could so inspire her flattered his man’s vanity, 
and made her love more precious ; for not yet had 
he learned all its depth, nor how to be worthy of 
it. The reverence he had always felt increased 
fourfold, but the affection began to burn with a 
stronger flame ; and Canaris, for the first time, 
tasted the pure happiness of loving another 
better than himself. Glad to feel, yet ashamed 
to own, a sentiment whose sincerity made it 
very sweet, he kept it to himself, and showed no 
sign, except a new and most becoming humility 
of manner when with Gladys, as if silently ask- 
ing pardon for many shortcomings. With Hel- 
wyze he was cold and distant, evidently dreading 
to have him discover the change he had foretold, 
and feeling as if his knowledge of it would pro- 
fane the first really sacred emotion the young 
man had known since his mother died. 

Anxious for some screen behind which to 
hide the novel, yet most pleasurable, sensations 
which beset him, he found Olivia a useful friend, 
and still kept up some semblance of the admira- 
tion, out of which all dangerous ardor was fast 
fading. She saw this at once, and did not 


212 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


regret it : for she had a generous nature, which 
an all-absorbing and unhappy passion had not 
entirely spoiled. 

Obedience to Helwyze was her delight ; but, 
knowing him better than any other human being 
could, she was troubled by his increasing inter- 
est in Gladys, more especially since discovering 
that the girl possessed the originality, fire, and 
energy which were more attractive to him than 
her youth, gentleness, or grace. Jealousy was 
stronger than the desire to obey ; and, calling it 
compassion, Olivia resolved to be magnanimous, 
and spare Gladys further pain, letting Canaris 
return to his allegiance, as he seemed inclined 
to do, unhindered by any act of hers. 

“ The poor child is so young, so utterly unable 
to cope with me, it is doubly cruel to torment 
her, just to gratify a whim of Jasper’s. Better 
make my peace handsomely, and be her friend, 
than rob her of the only treasure she possesses, 
since I do not covet it,” she thought, driving 
through the May-day sunshine, to carry Jasper the 
earliest sprays of white and rosy hawthorn from 
the villa garden, whither she had been to set all 
in order for the summer. 

Helwyze was not yet visible ; and, full of her 
new design, Olivia hastened up to find Gladys, 


A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 213 


meaning by some friendly word, some unmis- 
takable but most delicate hint, to reassure her 
regarding the errant young husband, whom she 
had not yet learned to hold. 

There was no answer to her hasty tap, and 
Olivia went in to seek yet further. Half-way 
across the larger apartment she paused ab- 
ruptly, and stood looking straight before her, 
with a face which passed rapidly from its first 
expression of good-will to one of surprise, then 
softened, till tears stood in the brilliant eyes, 
and some sudden memory or thought made that 
usually proud countenance both sad and tender. 

Gladys sat alone in her little room, her work 
lying on her knee, her arms folded, her head bent, 
singing to herself as she rocked to and fro, lost 
in some reverie that made her lips smile faintly, 
and her voice very low. She often sat so now, 
but Olivia had never seen her thus ; and, seeing, 
divined at once the hope which lifted her above 
all sorrow, the help sent by Heaven, when most 
she needed it. For the song Gladys sang was a 
lullaby, the look she wore was that which comes 
to a woman’s face when she rocks her first-born 
on her knee, and above her head was a new 
picture, an angel, with the Lily of Annunciation 
in its hand. 


214 a MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


The one precious memory of Olivia’s stormy 
life was the little daughter, who for a sweet, 
short year was all in all to her, and whose small 
grave was yearly covered with the first spring 
flowers. Fresh from this secret pilgrimage, the 
woman’s nature was at its noblest now; and 
seeing that other woman, so young, so lonely, 
yet so blest, her heart yearned over her, — 

“ All her worser self slipped from her 
Like a robe,” — 

and, hurrying in, she said, impulsively, — 

“ O child, I wish you had a mother ! ” 

Gladys looked up, unstartled from the calm 
m which she dwelt. Olivia’s face explained her 
words, and she answered them with the only re- 
proach much pain had wrung from her, — 

“ You might have been one to me.” 

“It is not too late ! What shall I do to prove 
my sincerity ? ” cried Olivia, stricken with re- 
morse. 

“ Help me to give my little child an honest 
father.” 

“ I will ! show me how.” 

Then these two women spent a memorable 
hour together; for the new tie of motherhood 
bridged across all differences of age and charac- 
ter, made confession easy, confidence sweet, 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES . 21 5 


friendship possible. Yet, after all, Gladys was 
the comforter, Olivia the one who poured out 
her heart, and found relief in telling the sorrows 
that had been, the temptations that still beset 
her, the good that yet remained to answer, when 
the right chord was touched. She longed to 
give as much as she received ; but when she 
had owned, with a new sense of shame, that she 
was merely playing with Canaris for her own 
amusement (being true to Helwyze even in her 
falsehood), there seemed no more for her to do, 
since Gladys asked but one other question, and 
that she could not answer. 

“ If he does not love you, and, perhaps, it is as 
you say, — only a poet’s admiration for beauty, 
— what is the trouble that keeps us apart ? At 
first I was too blindly happy to perceive it ; now 
tears have cleared my eyes, and I see that he 
hides something from me, — something which he 
longs, yet dares not tell.” 

“ I know : I saw it long ago ; but Jasper alone 
can tell that secret. He holds Felix by it, and 
I fear the knowledge would be worse than the 
suspicion. Let it be : time sets all things right, 
and it is ill thwarting my poor cousin. I have 
a charming plan for you and Felix ; and, when 
you have him to yourself, you may be able tc 


216 a modern mephistopheles. 


win his confidence, as, I am sure, you have 
already won his heart.” 

Then Olivia told her plan, which was both 
generous and politic ; since it made Gladys truly 
happy, proved her own sincerity, secured her 
own peace and that of the men whose lives 
seemed to become more and more inextricably 
tangled together. 

“Now I shall go to Jasper, and conquer all 
his opposition ; for I know I am right. Dear 
little creature, what is it about you that makes 
one feel both humble and strong when one is 
near you ? ” asked Olivia, looking down at Gladys 
with a hand on either shoulder, and genuine 
wonder in the eyes still soft with unwonted 
tears. 

“ God made me truthful, and I try to keep so ; 
that is all,” she answered, simply. 

“ That is enough. Kiss me, Gladys, and make 
me better. I am not good enough to be the 
mother that I might have been to you ; but I 
am a friend ; believe that, and trust me, if you 
can?” 

“ I do ; ” and Gladys sealed her confidence with 
both lips and hand. 

“Jasper, I have invited those children to 
spend the summer at the villa, since you have 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 21 J 


decided for the sea. Gladys is mortally tired of 
this hot-house life, so is Felix : give them a long 
holiday, or they will run away together. Mrs. 
Bland and I will take care of you till they come 
back.” 

Olivia walked in upon Helwyze with this 
abrupt announcement, well knowing that per- 
suasion would be useless, and vigorous measures 
surest to win the day. Artful as well as cour- 
ageous in her assault, she answered in that one 
speech several objections against her plan, and 
suggested several strong reasons for it, sure 
that he would yield the first, and own the 
latter. 

He did, with unexpected readiness ; for a mo- 
tive which she could not fathom prompted his 
seemingly careless acquiescence. He had no 
thought of relinquishing his hold on Canaris, 
since through him alone he held Gladys ; but 
he often longed to escape from both for a time, 
that he might study and adjust the new power 
which had come into his life, unbidden, unde- 
sired. Surprise and disappointment were al- 
most instantaneously followed by a sense of 
relief when Olivia spoke; for he saw at once 
that this project was a wiser one than she 
knew. 

IO 


218 a modern mephistopheles. 


Before her rapid sentences were ended, the 
thought had come and gone, the decision was 
made, and he. could answer, in a tone of indiffer- 
ence which both pleased and perplexed her, — 

“Amiable woman, with what helpful aspira- 
tions are you blest. Seeing your failure with 
Felix, I have been wondering how I should get 
rid of him till he recovers from this comically 
tardy passion for his wife. They can have 
another and a longer honeymoon up at the 
villa, if they like : the other was far from ro- 
mantic, I suspect. Well, why that sphinx-like 
expression, if you please ? ” he added, as Olivia 
stood regarding him from behind the fading 
hawthorn which she forgot to offer. 

“ I was wondering if I should ever understand 
you, Jasper.” 

“ Doubtful, since I shall never understand 
myself.” 

“You ought, if any man; for you spend your 
life in studying yourself.” 

“ And the more I study, the less I know. It 
is very like a child with a toy ark : I never 
know what animal may appear first. I put in 
my hand for a dove, and I get a serpent ; I open 
the door for the sagacious elephant, and out 
rushes a tiger ; I think I have found a fa\ orite 


A MODERN M EPHISTOPHELES. 219 


dog, and it is a wolf, looking ready to devour me. 
An unsatisfactory toy, better put it away and 
choose another.” 

Helwyze spoke in the half-jesting, half-serious 
way habitual to him ; but though his mouth 
smiled, his eyes were gloomy, and Olivia has- 
tened to turn his thoughts from a subject in 
which he took a morbid interest. 

“Fanciful, but true. Now, follow your own 
excellent advice, and find wholesome amusement 
in helping me pack off the young people, and 
then ourselves. It is not too early for them to 
go at once. Canaris can come in and out as you 
want him for a month longer, then I will have 
all things ready for you in the old cottage by the 
sea. You used to be happy there : can you not 
be so again ? ” 

“ If you can give me back my twenty years. 
May-day is over for both of us ; why try to make 
the dead hawthorn bloom again ? Carry out 
your plan, and let the children be happy.” 

They were very happy ; for the prospect of 
entire freedom was so delicious, that Gladys had 
some difficulty in concealing her delight, while 
Canaris openly rejoiced when told of Olivia’s 
offer. All dinner-time he was talking of it ; and 
afterward, under pretence of showing her a new 


220 A MODERN ME R HIS 1 OP HE LE S. 


plant, he took his wife into the conservatory, 
that he might continue planning how they should 
spend this unexpected holiday. 

Helwyze saw them wandering arm in arm ; 
Canaris talking rapidly, and Gladys listening, 
with happy laughter, to his whimsical sugges- 
tions and projects. Their content displeased the 
looker-on ; but there was something so attractive 
in the flower-framed picture of beauty, youth, 
and joy, that he could not turn his eyes away, 
although the sight aroused strangely conflicting 
thoughts within him. 

He wished them gone, yet dreaded to lose the 
charm of his confined life, feeling that absence 
would inevitably become estrangement. Canaris 
never would be entirely his again; for he was 
slowly climbing upward into a region where false 
ambition could not blind, mere pleasure satisfy, 
nor license take the place of liberty. He had 
not planned to ruin the youth, but simply to let 
“ the world, the flesh, and the devil ” contend 
against such virtues as they found, while he sat 
by and watched the struggle. 

As Olivia predicted, however, power was a 
dangerous gift to such a man ; and, having come 
to feel that Canaris belonged to him, body and 
soul, he was ill-pleased at losing him just when a 
new interest was added to their lives 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 221 


Yet losing him he assuredly was ; and some- 
thing like wonder mingled with his chagrin, for 
this girl, whom he had expected to mould to his 
will, exerted over him, as well as Canaris, a soft 
control which he could neither comprehend nor 
conquer. Its charm was its unconsciousness, its 
power was its truth ; for it won gently and held 
firmly the regard it sought. She certainly did 
possess the gift of surprises ; for, although 
brought there as a plaything, “little Gladys,” 
without apparent effort, had subjugated haughty 
Olivia, wayward Felix, ruthless Helwyze; and 
none rebelled against her. She ruled them by 
the irresistible influence of a lovely womanhood, 
which made her daily life a sweeter poem than 
any they could write. 

“ Why did I not keep her for myself ? If she 
can do so much for him, what might she not 
have done for me, had I been wise enough to 
wait,” thought Helwyze, watching the bright- 
haired figure that stood looking up to the green 
roof whence Canaris was gathering passion- 
flowers. 

As if some consciousness of his longing 
reached her, Gladys turned to look into the 
softly lighted room beyond, and, seeing its master 
sit there solitary in the midst of its splendor, she 


222 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


obeyed the compassionate impulse which was 
continually struggling against doubt and dislike. 

“ It must seem very selfish and ungrateful in 
us to be so glad. Come, Felix, and amuse him 
as well as me,” she said, in a tone meant for his 
ear alone. But Helwyze heard both question 
and answer. 

“ I have been court-fool long enough. ’Tis a 
thankless office, and I am tired of it,” replied 
Canaris, in the tone of a prisoner asked to go 
back when the door of his cell stands open. 

"I must go, for there is Jean with coffee. 
Follow, like a good boy, when you have put your 
posy into a song, which I will set to music by 
and by, as your reward,” said Gladys, turning 
reluctantly away. 

“You make goodness so beautiful, that it is 
easy to obey. There is my posy set to music at 
once, for you are a song without words, cariha; ” 
and Canaris threw the vine about her neck, with 
a look and a laugh which made it hard for her 
to go. 

Jean not only brought coffee, but the card of 
a friend for Felix, who went away, promising to 
return. Gladys carefully prepared the black and 
fragrant draught which Helwyze loved, and pre- 
sented it, with a sweet friendliness of mien 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 223 


which would have made hemlock palatable, he 
thought. 

“ Shall I sing to you till Felix comes to give 
you something better ? ” she asked, offering her 
best, as if anxious to atone for the sin of being 
happy at the cost of pain to another. 

“Talk a little first. There will be time for 
both before he remembers us again,” answered 
Helwyze, motioning her to a seat beside him, 
with the half-imperative, half-courteous, look and 
gesture habitual to him. 

“He will not forget : Felix always keeps his 
promises to me,” said Gladys, with an air of 
gentle pride, taking her place, not beside, but 
opposite, Helwyze, on the couch where Elaine 
had laid not long ago. 

This involuntary act of hers gave a tone to the 
conversation which followed ; for Helwyze, being 
inwardly perturbed, was seized with a desire to 
hover about dangerous topics : and, seeing her 
sit there, so near and yet so far, so willing to serve, 
yet so completely mistress of herself, longed to 
ruffle that composure, if only to make her share 
the disquiet of which she was the cause. 

“ Always ? ” he said, lifting his brows with an 
incredulous expression, as he replied to her asser- 
tion. 


224 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


“ I seldom ask any promise of him, but when 
I do, he always keeps it. You doubt that ? ” 

“ I do” 

“ When you know him as well as I, you will 
believe it.” 

“ I flatter myself that I know him better ; 
and, judging from the past, should call him 
both fickle and, in some things, false, even to 
you.” 

Up sprung the color to Gladys’s cheek, and 
her eyes shone with sudden fire, but her voice 
was low and quiet, as she answered quickly, — 

“One is apt to look for what one wishes to 
find : I seek fidelity and truth, and I shall not be 
disappointed. Felix may wander, but he will 
come back to me : I have learned how to hold 
him now” 

“ Then you are wiser than I. Pray impart the 
secret ; ” and, putting down his cup, Helwyze re- 
garded her intently, for he saw that the spirit 
of the woman was roused to defend her wifely 
rights. 

“ Nay, I owe it to you ; and, since it has pre- 
vailed against your enchantress, I should thank 
you for it.” 

The delicate emphasis on the words, “your 
enchantress,” enlightened him to the fact that 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 225 


Gladys divined, in part at least, the cause of 
Olivia’s return. He did not deny, but simply 
answered, with a curious contrast between the 
carelessness of the first half of his reply, with the 
vivid interest of the latter, — 

“ Olivia has atoned for her sins handsomely. 
But what do you owe me ? I have taught you 
nothing. I dare not try.” 

“ I did not know my own power till you showed 
it to me ; unintentionally, I believe, and uncon- 
sciously, I used it to such purpose that Felix felt 
pride in the wife whom he had thought a child 
before. I mean the night I sang and acted 
yonder, and did both well, thanks to you.” 

“ I comprehend, and hope to be forgiven, since 
I gave you help or pleasure,” he answered, with 
no sign of either confusion or regret, though the 
thought shot through his mind, “Can she re- 
member what came after?” 

“ Questionable help, and painful pleasure, yet 
it was a memorable hour and a useful one ; so 
I pardon you, since after the troubled delusion 
comes a happy reality.” 

There was a double meaning in her words, 
and a double reproach in the glance which went 
from the spot where she had played her part, to 
the garland still about her neck. 

10* o 


226 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


“Your yoke is a light one, and you wear it 
gracefully. Long may it be so.” 

Helwyze thought to slip away thus from the 
subject ; for those accusing eyes were hard to 
meet. But Gladys seemed moved to speak with 
more than her usual candor, as if anxious to 
leave no doubts behind her ; and, sitting in the 
self-same place, uttered words which moved him 
even more than those which she had whispered 
in her tormented sleep. 

“No, my yoke is not light;” she said, in that 
grave, sweet voice of hers, looking down at the 
mystic purple blossom on her breast, with the 
symbols of a divine passion at its heart. “ I 
put it on too ignorantly, too confidingly, and at 
times the duties, the responsibilities, which 
I assumed with it weigh heavily. I am just 
learning how beautiful they are, how sacred they 
should be, and trying to prove worthy of them. 
I know that Felix did not love as I loved, when 
he married me, — from pity, I believe. No one 
told me this : I felt, I guessed it, and would 
have given him back his liberty, if, after patient 
trial, I had found that I could not make him 
happy.” 

“ Can you ? ” 

“Yes, thank God! not only happy, but good; 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES . 227 


and henceforth duty is delight, for I can teach 
him to love as I love, and he is glad to learn 
of me.” 

Months before, when the girl Gladys had 
betrayed her maiden tenderness, she had glowed 
like the dawn, and found no language but her 
blushes ; now the woman sat there steadfast 
and passion-pale, owning her love with the 
eloquence of fervent speech ; both pleading 
and commanding, in the name of wifehood and 
motherhood, for the right to claim the man she 
had won at such cost. 

“ And if you fail ? ” 

“ I shall not fail, unless you come between us. 
I have won Olivia’s promise not to tempt Felix’s 
errant fancy with her beauty. Can I not win 
yours to abstain from troubling his soul with 
still more harmful trials ? It is to ask this that 
I speak now, and I believe I shall not speak in 
vain.” 

“Why?” 

Helwyze bent and looked into her face as he 
uttered that one word below his breath. He 
dared do no more ; for there was that about her, 
perilously frank and lovely though she was, 
which held in check his lawless spirit, and made 
it reverence, even while it rebelled against her 
power over him. 


228 A MODERN ME PH/S T OPHELES. 


She neither shrank nor turned aside, but 
studied earnestly that unmoved countenance 
which hid a world of wild emotion so success- 
fully, that even her eyes saw no token of it, 
except the deepening line between the brows. 

“ Because I am bold enough to think I know 
you better even than Olivia does ; that you are 
not cold and cruel, and, having given me the 
right to live for Felix, you. will not disturb our 
peace ; that, if I look into your soul, as I looked 
into my husband’s, I shall find there what I seek, 
— justice as well as generosity.” 

“You shall ! ” 

“I knew you would not disappoint me. For 
this promise I am more grateful than words can 
express, since it takes away all fear for Felix, 
and shows me that I was right in appealing to 
the heart which you try to kill. Ah ! be your 
best self always, and so make life a blessing, not 
the curse you often call it,” she added, giving 
him a smile like sunshine, a cordial glance which 
was more than he could bear. 

“With you I am. Stay, and show me how 
to do it,” he began, stretching both hands to- 
wards her with an almost desperate urgency in 
voice and gesture. 

But Gladys neither saw nor heard ; for at 


A MODERN MEPHIST OPHELES. 229 


that moment Felix came through the hall sing- 
ing one of the few perfect love songs in the 
world, — 

“ Che faro senza Eurydice.” 

“ See, he does keep his promise to me : I 
knew he would come back ! ” she cried delight- 
edly, and hurried to meet him, leaving Helwyze 
nothing but the passion-flowers to fill his empty 
hands. 


230 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


XV. 

“ “D ACK again, earlier than before. But not 
^ to stay long, thank Heaven ! By another 
month we will be truly at home, my Gladys,” 
whispered Canaris, as they went up the steps, in 
the mellow September sunshine. 

“ I hope so ! ” she answered, fervently, and 
paused an instant before entering the door ; for, 
coming from the light and warmth without, it 
seemed as dark and chilly as the entrance to a 
tomb. 

“You are tired, love? Come and rest before 
you see a soul.” 

With a new sort of tenderness, Canaris led her 
up to her own little bower, and lingered there to 
arrange the basket of fresh recruits she had 
brought for her winter garden : while Gladys 
lay contentedly on the couch where he placed 
her, looking about the room as if greeting old 
friends ; but her eyes always came back to him, 
full of a reposeful happiness which proved that all 
was well with her. 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 23 1 


“ There ! now the little fellows sit right com- 
fortably in the moss, and will soon feel at home. 
I’ll go find Mother Bland, and see what his 
Serene Highness is about,” said the young man, 
rising from his work, warm and gay, but in no 
haste to go, as he had been before. 

Gladys remembered that; and when, at last, 
he left her, she shut her eyes to re-live, in 
thought, the three blissful months she had spent 
in teaching him to love her with the love in 
which self bears no part. Before the happy 
reverie was half over, the old lady arrived ; and, 
by the time the young one was ready, Canaris 
came to fetch her. 

“ My dearest, I am afraid we must give up our 
plan,” he said, softly, as he led her away : “ Hel- 
wyze is so changed, I come to tell you, lest it 
should shock you when you see him. I think it 
would be cruel to go at once. Can you wait a 
little longer ? ” 

“ If we ought. How is he changed ? ” 

“Just worn away, as a rock is by the beating 
of the sea, till there seems little left of him ex- 
cept the big eyes and greater sharpness of both 
tongue and temper. Say nothing about it, and 
seem not to notice it; else he will freeze you 
with a look, as he did me when I exclaimed.” 


232 A MODERN MEPHIST OPHELES. 


“ Poor man ! we will be very patient, very kind ; 
for it must be awful to think of dying with no 
light beyond,” sighed Gladys, touching the cross 
at her white throat. 

“ A Dante without a Beatrice : I am happier 
than he;” and Canaris laid his cheek against 
hers with the gesture of a boy, the look of a man 
who has found the solace which is also his salva- 
tion. 

Helwyze received them quietly, a little coldly, 
even ; and Gladys reproached herself with too 
long neglect of what she had assumed as a duty, 
when she saw how ill he looked, for his summer 
had not been a blissful one. He had spent it in 
wishing for her, and in persuading himself that 
the desire was permissible, since he asked noth- 
ing but what she had already given him, — her 
presence and her friendship. It was her in- 
tellect he loved and wanted, not her heart ; that 
she might give her husband wholly, since he un- 
derstood and cared for affection only : her mind, 
with all its lovely possibilities, Helwyze coveted, 
and reasoned himself into the belief that he had 
a right to enjoy it, conscious all the while that 
his purpose was a delusion and a snare. Olivia 
had mourned over the moody taciturnity which 
made a lonely cranny of the cliffs his favorite re- 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 233 


sort, where he sat, day after day, watching, with an 
irresistible fascination, the ever-changing sea, — 
beautiful and bitter as the hidden tide of thought 
and feeling in his own breast, where lay the 
image of Gladys, as placid, yet as powerful, as the 
moon which ruled the ebb and flow of that vaster 
ocean. Being a fatalist for want of a higher 
faith, he left all to chance, and came home 
simply resolved to enjoy what was left him as long 
and as unobtrusively as possible; since Felix 
owed him much, and Gladys need never know 
what she had prayed not to know. 

Sitting at the table, as they sat almost a 
year ago, he watched the two young faces as he 
had done then, finding each, unlike his own, 
changed for the better. Gladys was a girl no 
longer ; and the new womanliness which had 
come to her was of the highest type, for inward 
beauty lent its imperishable loveliness to features 
faulty in themselves, and character gave its in- 
describable charm to the simplest manners. 
Helwyze saw all this ; and perceiving also how 
much heart had already quickened intellect, began 
to long for both, and to grudge his pupil to hex 
new master. 

Canaris seemed to have lost something of his 
boyish comeliness, and had taken on a manlier air 


234 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


of strength and stability, most becoming, and 
evidently a source of pardonable pride to him. 
At his age even three months could work a seri- 
ous alteration in one so easily affected by all 
influences ; and Helwyze felt a pang of envy as 
he saw the broad shoulders and vigorous limbs, 
the wholesome color in the cheeks, and best of 
all, the serene content of a happy heart. 

“ What have you been doing to yourself, 
Felix? Have you discovered the Elixir of Life 
up there ? If so, impart the secret, and let me 
have a sip,” he said, as Canaris pushed away 
his plate after satisfying a hearty appetite with 
the relish of a rustic. 

“ Gladys did,” he answered, with a nod across 
the table, which said much. “ She would not let 
me idle about while waiting for ideas: she just 
set me to work. I dug acres, it seemed to me, 
and amazed the gardener with my exploits. 
Liked it, too ; for she was overseer, and would 
not let me off till I had done my task and 
earned my wages. A wonderfully pleasant life, 
and I am the better for it, in spite of my sun- 
burn and blisters ; ” and Canaris stretched out a 
pair of sinewy brown hands with an air of satis- 
faction which made Gladys laugh so blithely it 
was evident that their summer had been full of 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 235 


the innocent jollity of youth, fine weather, and 
congenial pastime. 

“ Adam and Eve in Eden, with all the modern 
improvements. Not even a tree of knowledge or 
a serpent to disturb you ! ” 

“ Oh, yes, we had them both ; but we only ate 
the good fruit, and the snake did not tempt me ! ” 
cried Gladys, anxious to defend her Paradise 
even from playful mockery. 

“He did me. I longed to kill him, but my 
Eve owed him no grudge, and would not permit 
me to do it ; so the old enemy sunned himself in 
peace, and went into winter quarters a reformed 
reptile, I am sure.” 

Canaris did not look up as he spoke, but 
Helwyze asked hastily, — 

“ I hope you harvested a few fresh ideas for 
winter work ? We ought to have something to 
show after so laborious a summer.” 

“ I have : I am going to write a novel or a 
play. I cannot decide which; but rather lean 
toward the latter, and, being particularly happy, 
feel inclined to write a tragedy ; ” and some- 
thing beside the daring of an ambitious author 
sparkled in the eyes Canaris fixed upon his 
patron. It looked too much like the expression 
of a bondman about to become a freeman to 


236 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


suit Helwyze ; but he replied, as imperturbably 
as ever, — 

“ Try the tragedy, by all means : the novel 
would be beyond you.” 

“ Why, if you please ? ” demanded Canaris, 
loftily. 

“ Because you have neither patience nor ex- 
perience enough to do it well. Goethe says : 
* In the novel it is sentiments and events that 
are exhibited ; in the drama it is characters and 
deeds . The novel goes slowly forward, the drama 
must hasten. In the novel, some degree of scope 
may be allowed to chance ; but it must be led 
and guided by the sentiments of the personages. 
Fate, on the other hand, which, by means of out- 
ward, unconnected circumstances, carries for- 
ward men, without their own concurrence, to an 
unforeseen catastrophe, can only have place in 
the drama. Chance may produce pathetic sit- 
uations, but not tragic ones.’ ” 

Helwyze paused there abruptly ; for the mem- 
ory which served him so well outran his tongue, 
and recalled the closing sentence of the quota- 
tion, — words which he had no mind to utter 
then and there, — “Fate ought always to be 
terrible ; and it is in the highest sense tragic, 
when it brings into a ruinous concatenation the 
guilty man and the guiltless with him.” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 237 


“ Then you think I could write a play ? ” asked 
Canaris, with affected carelessness. 

“ I think you could act one, better than imag- 
ine or write it ? ” 

“ What, r ? ” 

“Yes, you; because you are dramatic by nat- 
ure, and it is easier for you to express yourself 
in gesture and tone, than by written or spoken 
language. You were born for an actor, are 
fitted for it in every way, and I advise you to try 
it. It would pay better than poetry ; and that 
stream may run dry.” 

Gladys looked indignant at what she thought 
bad advice and distasteful pleasantry ; but Ca- 
naris seemed struck and charmed with the new 
idea, protesting that he would first write, then 
act, his play, and prove himself a universal 
genius. 

No more was said just then ; but long after- 
ward the conversation came back to him like an 
inspiration, and was the seed of a purpose which, 
through patient effort, bore fruit in a brilliant 
and successful career : for Canaris, like many 
another man, did not know his own strength or 
weakness yet, neither the true gift nor the 
power of evil which lay unsuspected within 
him. 


238 A MODERN MEP HIS T OPHELES, 


So the old life began again, at least in out- 
ward seeming ; but it was impossible for it to 
last long. The air was too full of the electricity 
of suppressed and conflicting emotions to be 
wholesome; former relations could not be re- 
sumed, because sincerity had gone out of them ; 
and the quiet, which reigned for a time, was 
only the lull before the storm. 

Gladys soon felt this, but tried to think it was 
owing to the contrast between the free, happy 
days she had enjoyed so much, and uttered no 
complaint ; for Felix was busy with his play, 
sanguine as ever, inspired now by a nobler am- 
bition than before, and happy in his work. 

Helwyze had flattered himself that he could 
be content with the harmless shadow, since he 
could not possess the sweet substance of a love 
whose seeming purity was its most delusive dan- 
ger. But he soon discovered “ how bitter a thing 
it is to look into happiness through another man’s 
eyes ; ” and, even while he made no effort to rob 
Canaris of his treasure, he hated him for posses- 
sing it, finding the hatred all the more poignant, 
because it was his own hand which had forced 
Felix to seize and secure it. He had thought 
to hold and hide this new secret ; but it held 
him, and would not be hidden, for it was 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 239 


stronger than even his strong will, and ruled 
him with a power which at times filled him with 
a sort of terror. Having allowed it to grow, and 
taken it to his bosom, he could not cast it out 
again, and it became a torment, not the comfort 
he had hoped to find it. His daily affliction 
was to see how much the young pair were to 
each other, to read in their faces a hundred 
happy hopes and confidences in which he had 
no part, and to remember the confession wrung 
from the lips dearest to him, that his death 
would bring to them their much-desired free 
dom. 

At times he was minded to say “ Go,” but the 
thought of the utter blank her absence would 
leave behind daunted him. Often an almost 
uncontrollable desire to tell her that which 
would mar her trust in her husband tempted 
him ; for, having yielded to a greater temptation, 
all lesser ones seemed innocent beside it ; and, 
worse than all, the old morbid longing for some 
excitement, painful even, if it could not be 
pleasurable, goaded him to the utterance of half 
truths, which irritated Canaris and perplexed 
Gladys, till she could no longer doubt the cause 
of this strange mood. It seemed as if her 
innocent hand gave the touch which set the 


240 A MODERN MEP HIS T OPHELES. 


avalanche slipping swiftly but silently to its 
destructive fall. 

One day when Helwyze was pacing to and fro 
in the library, driven by the inward storm which 
no outward sign betrayed, except his excessive 
pallor and unusual restlessness, she looked up 
from her book, asking compassionately, — 

“ Are you suffering, sir ? ” 

“ Torment.” 

“ Can I do nothing ? ” 

“ Nothing ! ” 

She went on reading, as if glad to be left in 
peace; for distrust, as well as pity, looked out 
from her frank eyes, and there was no longer 
any pleasure in the duties she performed for 
Canaris’s sake. 

But Helwyze, jealous even of the book which 
seemed to absorb her, soon paused again, to ask, 
in a calmer tone, — 

“What interests you ?” 

“ ‘ The Scarlet Letter.’ ” 

The hands loosely clasped behind him were 
locked more closely by an involuntary gesture, 
as if the words made him wince ; otherwise un- 
moved, he asked again, with the curiosity he 
often showed about her opinions of all she 
read, — 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 24 1 


“ What do you think of Hester ? ” 

“ I admire her courage ; for she repented, and 
did not hide her sin with a lie.” 

“ Then you must despise Dimmesdale ? ” 

“ I ought, perhaps ; but I cannot help pitying 
his weakness, while I detest his deceit: he 
loved so much.” 

“ So did Roger ; ” and Helwyze drew nearer, 
with the peculiar flicker in his eyes, as of a 
light kindled suddenly behind a carefully drawn 
curtain. 

“ At first ; then his love turned to hate, and 
he committed the unpardonable sin,” answered 
Gladys, much moved by that weird and wonder- 
ful picture of guilt and its atonement. 

" The unpardonable sin ! ” echoed Helwyze, 
struck by her words and manner. 

“ Hawthorne somewhere describes it as ‘ the 
want of love and reverence for the human soul, 
which makes a man pry into its mysterious depths, 
not with a hope or purpose of making it better, 
but from a cold, philosophical curiosity. This 
would be the separation of the intellect from the 
heart : and this, perhaps, would be as unpardon- 
able a sin as to doubt God, whom we cannot 
harm ; for in doing this we must inevitably do 
great wrong both to ourselves and others.’ ” 


242 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


As she spoke, fast and earnestly, Gladys felt 
herself upon the brink of a much-desired, but 
much-dreaded, explanation ; for Canaris, while 
owning to her that there was a secret, would not 
tell it till Helwyze freed him from his promise. 
She thought that he delayed to ask this absolution 
till she was fitter to bear the truth, whatever it 
might be ; and she had resolved to spare her 
husband the pain of an avowal, by demanding it 
herself of Helwyze. The moment seemed to 
have come, and both knew it ; for he regarded 
her with the quick, piercing look which read her 
purpose before she could put it into words. 

“You are right ; yet Roger was the wronged 
one, and the others deserved to suffer.” 

“ They did ; but Hester’s suffering ennobled 
her, because nobly borne; Dimmesdale’s de- 
stroyed him, because he paltered weakly with his 
conscience. Roger let his wrong turn him from 
a man into a devil, and deserves the contempt 
and horror he rouses in us. The keeping of the 
secret makes the romance ; the confession of it is 
the moral, showing how falsehood can ruin a 
life, and truth only save it at the last.” 

“ Never have a secret, Gladys : they are hard 
masters, whom we hate, yet dare not rebel 
against.” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 243 


His accent of sad sincerity seemed to clear the 
way for her, and she spoke out, briefly and 
bravely, — 

“ Sir, you dare any thing ! Tell me what it is 
which makes Felix obey you against his will. 
He owns it, but will not speak till you consent. 
Tell me, I beseech you ! ” 

“ Could you bear it ? ” he asked, admiring her 
courage, yet doubtful of the wisdom of purchas- 
ing a moment’s satisfaction at such a cost ; for, 
though he could cast down her idol, he dared not 
set up another in its place. 

“ Try me ! ” she cried : “ nothing can lessen my 
love, and doubt afflicts me more than the hard- 
est truth.” 

“ I fear not : with you love and respect go 
hand in hand, and some sins you would find very 
hard to pardon.” 

Involuntarily Gladys shrunk a little, and her 
eye questioned his inscrutable face, as she an- 
swered slowly, thinking only of her husband, — 

“ Something very mean and false would be 
hard to forgive ; but not some youthful fault, 
some shame borne for others, or even a crime, if 
a very human emotion, a generous but mistaken 
motive, led to it.” 

“ Then this secret is better left untold ; for it 


244 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


would try you sorely to know that Felix had 
been guilty of the fault you find harder to forgive 
than a crime, — deceit. Wait a little, till you are 
accustomed to the thought, then you shall have 
the facts ; and pity, even while you must despise, 
him.” 

While he spoke, Gladys sat like one nerving 
herself to receive a blow ; but at the last words 
she suddenly put up her hand as if to arrest it, 
saying, hurriedly, — 

“ No ! do not tell me ; I cannot bear it yet, nor 
from you. He shall tell me ; it will be easier 
so, and less like treachery. O sir,” she added, 
in a passionately pleading tone, “ use merci- 
fully whatever bitter knowledge you possess ! 
Remember how young he is, how neglected as 
a boy, how tempted he may have been; and 
deal generously, honorably with him, — and with 
me.” 

Her voice broke there. She spread her hands 
before her eyes, and fled out of the room, as if in 
his face she read a more disastrous confession 
than any Felix could ever make. Helwyze stood 
motionless, looking as he looked the night she 
spoke more frankly but less forcibly : and when 
she vanished, he stole away to his own room, as 
he stole then ; only now his usually colorless 


A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 245 


cheek burned with a fiery flush, and his hand 
went involuntarily to his breast, as if, like Dim- 
mesdale, he carried an invisible scarlet letter 
branded there. 


246 A MODERN MEPHISTOFHELES. 


XVI. 

TVTEITHER had heard the door of that inner 
^ ^ room open quietly ; neither had seen Canaris 
stand upon the threshold for an instant, then 
draw back, looking as if he had found another 
skeleton to hide in the cell where he was laboring 
at the third act of the tragedy which he was to 
live, not write. 

He had heard the last words Gladys said, he 
had seen the last look Helwyze wore, and, like a 
flash of lightning, the truth struck and stunned 
him. At first he sat staring aghast at the thing 
he plainly saw, yet hardly comprehended. Then 
a sort of fury seized and shook him, as he sprang 
up with hands clenched, eyes ablaze, looking as 
if about to instantly avenge the deadliest injury 
one man could do another. But the half savage 
self-control adversity had taught stood him in 
good stead now, curbing the first natural but 
reckless wrath which nerved every fibre of his 
strong young body with an almost irresistible 
impulse to kill Helwyze without a word. 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 247 


The gust of blind passion subsided quickly 
into a calmer, but not less dangerous, mood ; and, 
fearing to trust himself so near his enemy, 
Canaris rushed away, to walk fast and far, un- 
conscious where he went, till the autumnal 
gloaming brought him back, master of himself, 
he thought. 

While he wandered aimlessly about the city, 
he had been recalling the past with the vivid 
skill which at such intense moments seems to 
bring back half-forgotten words, apparently un- 
noticed actions, and unconscious impressions; 
as fire causes invisible letters to stand out upon 
a page where they are traced in sympathetic 
ink. 

Not a doubt of Gladys disturbed the ever- 
deepening current of a love the more precious 
for its newness, the more powerful for its en- 
nobling influence. But every instinct of his 
nature rose in revolt against Helwyze, all the 
more rebellious and resentful for the long sub- 
jection in which he had been held. 

A master stronger than the ambition which 
had been the ruling passion of his life so far 
asserted its supremacy now, and made it possible 
for him to pay the price of liberty without fur 
ther weak delay or unmanly regret. 


248 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPH ELES. 


This he resolved upon, and this he believed 
he could accomplish safely and soon. But if 
Helwyze, with far greater skill and self-control, 
had failed to guide or subdue the conflicting 
passions let loose among them, how could Ca- 
naris hope to do it, or retard by so much as 
one minute the irresistible consequences of their 
acts ? “ The providence of God cannot be hur- 

ried,” and His retribution falls at the appointed 
time, saving, even when it seems to destroy. 

Returning resolute but weary, Canaris was 
relieved to find that a still longer reprieve was 
granted him ; for Olivia was there, and Gladys 
apparently absorbed in the tender toil women 
love, making ready for the Christmas gift she 
hoped to give him. Helwyze sent word that he 
was suffering one of his bad attacks, and bade 
them all good-night ; so there was nothing to 
mar the last quiet evening these three were ever 
to pass together. 

When Canaris had seen Olivia to the winter 
quarters she inhabited near by, he went up to 
his own room, where Gladys lay, looking like a 
child who had cried itself to sleep. The sight 
of the pathetic patience touched with slumber’s 
peace, in the tear-stained face upon the pillow, 
wrung his heart, and, stooping, he softly kissed 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 249 


the hand upon the coverlet, — the small hand 
that wore a wedding-ring, now grown too large 
for it. 

“ God bless my dearest ! ” he whispered, with a 
sob in his throat. “ Out of this accursed house 
she shall go to-morrow, though I leave all but 
love and liberty behind me.” 

Sleepless, impatient, and harassed by thoughts 
that would not let him rest, he yielded to the un- 
canny attraction which the library now had for 
him, and went down again, deluding himself 
with the idea that he could utilize emotion and 
work for an hour or two. 

The familiar room looked strange to him ; and 
when the door of Helwyze’s apartment opened 
quietly, he started, although it was only Stern, 
coming to nap before the comfortable fire. 
Something in Canaris’s expectant air and atti- 
tude made the man answer the question his 
face seemed to ask. 

“ Quiet at last, sir. He has had no sleep for 
many nights, and is fairly worn out.” 

“ You look so, too. Go and rest a little. I 
shall be here writing for several hours, and can 
see to him,” said Canaris, kindly, as the poor old 
fellow respectfully tried to swallow a portentous 
gape behind his hand. 

11* 


250 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELFS. 


“ Thank you, Mr. Felix : it would be a comfort 
just to lose myself. Master is not likely to want 
any thing; but, if he should call, just step and 
give him his drops, please. They are all ready. 
I fixed them myself: he is so careless when he 
is half-asleep, and, not being used to this new 
stuff, an overdose might kill him.” 

Giving these directions, Stern departed with 
alacrity, and left Canaris to his watch. He had 
often done as much before, but never with such 
a sense of satisfaction as now ; and though he 
carefully abstained from giving himself a reason 
for the act, no sooner had the valet gone than 
he went to look in upon Helwyze, longing to 
call out commandingly, “ Wake, and hear me ! ” 

But the helplessness of the man disarmed 
him, the peaceful expression of the sharp, white 
features mutely reproached him, the recollection 
of what he would awaken to made Canaris 
ashamed to exult over a defeated enemy; and 
he turned away, with an almost compassionate 
glance at the straight, still figure, clearly defined 
against the dusky background of the darkened 
room. 

“ He looks as if he were dead.” 

Canaris did not speak aloud, but it seemed as 
if a voice echoed the words with a suggestive 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 25 1 


emphasis, that made him pause as he approached 
the study-table, conscious of a quick thrill of 
comprehension tingling through him like an 
answer. Why he covered both ears with a sud- 
den gesture, he could not tell, nor why he hastily 
seated himself, caught up the first book at hand 
and began to read without knowing what he 
read. Only for an instant, however, then the 
words grew clear before him, and his eyes rested 
on this line, — 

“ (TV 07 JV a XPV& i( >> vclvv imyXcoao-a A cos” * 

He dropped the book, as if it had burnt him, 
and looked over his shoulder, almost expecting 
to see the dark thought lurking in his mind 
take shape before him. Empty, dim, and quiet 
was the lofty room ; but a troubled spirit and 
distempered imagination peopled it with such 
vivid and tormenting phantoms of the past, the 
present and the future, that he scarcely knew 
whether he was awake or dreaming, as he sat 
there alone, waiting for midnight, and the spectre 
of an uncommitted deed. 

His wandering eye fell on a leaf of paper, 
lying half-shrivelled by the heat of the red fire. 


* “ Thy ominous tongue gives utterance to thy wish.” 

^SCHYLUS 


252 A MODERN MEPHIS T OPHELES. 


This recalled the hour when, in the act of burn- 
ing that first manuscript, Helwyze had saved 
him, and all that followed shortly after. 

Not a pleasant memory, it seemed ; for his face 
darkened, and his glance turned to a purple- 
covered volume, left on the low chair where 
Gladys usually sat, and often read in that be- 
loved book. A still more bitter recollection 
bowed his head at sight of it, till some newer, 
sharper thought seemed to pierce him with a 
sudden stab, and he laid his clenched hand on 
the pile of papers before him, as if taking an 
oath more binding than the one made there 
nearly three years ago. 

He had been reading Shakespeare lately, for 
one may copy the great masters ; and now, as he 
tried with feverish energy to work upon his play, 
the grim or gracious models he had been study- 
ing seemed to rise and live before him. But 
one and all were made subject to the strong 
passions which ruled him ; jealousy, ambition, 
revenge, and love wore their appropriate guise, 
acted their appropriate parts, and made him one 
with them. Othello would only show himself 
as stabbing the perfidious Iago ; Macbeth always 
grasped at the air-drawn dagger ; Hamlet was 
continually completing his fateful task ; and 


A MODERN MEPH 1 ST 0 PHELES. 253 


Romeo whispered, with the little vial at his 

lips,— 

“ Oh, true apothecary ! 

Thy drugs are quick.” 

Canaris tried to chase away these troubled 
spirits ; but they would not down, and, yielding 
to them, he let his mind wander as it would, till 
he had “supped full of horrors/’ feeling as if in 
the grasp of a nightmare which led him, con- 
scious, but powerless, toward some catastrophe 
forefelt, rather than foreseen. How long this 
lasted he never knew; for nothing broke the 
silence growing momently more terrible as he 
listened to the stealthy tread of the temptation 
coming nearer and nearer, till it appeared in the 
likeness of himself, while a voice said, in the 
ordinary tone which so often makes dreams 
grotesque at their most painful climax, — 

“ Master is so careless when half-asleep ; and, 
not being used to this new stuff, an overdose 
might kill him.” 

As if these words were the summons for which 
he had been waiting, Canaris rose up suddenly 
and went into that other room, too entirely ab- 
sorbed by the hurrying emotions which swept 
him away to see what looked like a new phantom 
coming in. It might have been the shade of 


254 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


young Juliet, gentle Desdemona, poor Ophelia, 
or, better still the eidolen of Margaret wandering, 
pale and pensive, through the baleful darkness 
of this Walpurgis Nacht. 

He did not see it ; he saw nothing but the 
glass upon the table where the dim light burned, 
the little vial with its colorless contents, and 
Helwyze stirring in his bed, as if about to wake 
and speak. Conscious only of the purpose 
which now wholly dominated him, Canaris, 
without either haste or hesitation, took the 
bottle, uncorked, and held it over the glass 
half-filled with water. But before a single drop 
could fall a cold hand touched his own, and, 
with a start that crushed the vial in his grasp, 
he found himself eye to eye with Gladys. 

Guilt was frozen upon his face, terror upon 
hers ; but neither spoke, for a third voice mut- 
tered drowsily, “Stern, give me more; don’t 
rouse me.” 

Canaris could not stir ; Gladys whispered, with 
white lips, and her hand upon the cup, — 

“ Dare I give it ? ” 

He could only answer by a sign, and cowered 
into the shadow, while she put the draught to 
Helwyze’s lips, fearing to let him waken now. 
He drank drowsily, yet seemed half-conscious of 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 2$$ 


her presence ; for he looked up with sleep- 
drunken eyes, and murmured, as if to the familiar 
figure of a dream, — 

"Mine asleep, his awake,” then whispering 
brokenly about "Felix, Vivien, and daring any 
thing,” he was gone again into the lethargy 
which alone could bring forgetfulness. 

Gladys feared her husband would hear the 
almost inaudible words ; but he had vanished, 
and when she glided out to join him, carefully 
closing the door behind her, a glance showed 
that her fear was true. 

Relieved, yet not repentant, he stood there 
looking at a red stain on his hand with such a 
desperate expression that Gladys could only cling 
to him, saying, in a terror-stricken whisper, — 

" Felix, for God’s sake, come away ! What are 
you doing here ? ” 

" Going mad, I think,” he answered, under his 
breath ; but added, lifting up his hand with an 
ominous gesture, “ I would have done it if you 
had not stopped me. It would be better for us 
all if he were dead.” 

"Not so; thank Heaven I came in time to 
save you from the sin of murder ! ” she said, 
holding fast the hand as yet unstained by any 
blood but its own. 


256 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES. 


“ I have committed murder in my heart. Why 
not profit by the sin, since it is there ? I hate 
that man ! I have cause, and you know it.” 

“No, no, not all! You shall tell me every 
thing ; but not now, not here.” 

“ The time has come, and this is the place to 
tell it. Sit there and listen. I must untie or 
cut the snarl to-night.” 

He pointed to tihe great chair ; and, grateful 
for any thing that could change or stem the 
dangerous current of his thoughts, Gladys sank 
down, feeling as if, after this shock, she was pre- 
pared for any discovery or disaster. Canaris 
stood before her, white and stern, as if he were 
both judge and culprit ; for a sombre wrath still 
burned in his eye, and his face worked with the 
mingled shame and contempt warring within 
him. 

“ I heard and saw this afternoon, when you two 
talked together yonder, and I knew then what 
made you so glad to go away, so loath to come 
back. You have had a secret as well as I.” 

“ I was never sure until to-day. Do not speak 
of that : it is enough to know it, and forget it if 
we can. Tell your secret : it has burdened you 
so long, you will be glad to end it. He would 
have done so, but I would not let him.” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 25 ; 


“ I thought it would be hard to tell you, yet 
now my fault looks so small and innocent beside 
his, I can confess without much shame or fear.” 

But it was not easy ; for he had gone so far 
into a deeper, darker world that night, it was diffi- 
cult to come to lesser sins and lighter thoughts. 
As he hesitated for a word, his eye fell upon the 
purple-covered book, and he saw a way to shorten 
his confession. Catching up a pen, he bent 
over the volume an instant, then handed it to 
Gladys, open at the title-page. She knew it, — 
the dear romance, worn with much reading, — and 
looked wonderingly at the black mark drawn 
through the name, “ Felix Canaris,” and the 
words, “Jasper Helwyze,” written boldly below. 

“ What does it mean ? ” she asked, refusing 
to believe the discovery which the expression of 
his averted face confirmed. 

“ That I am a living lie. He wrote that book.” 

“ He ? ” 

“ Every line.” 

“ But not the other ? ” she said ; clinging to a 
last hope, as every thing seemed falling about 
her. 

“All, except half a dozen of the songs.” 

Down dropped the book between them, — now 
a thing of little worth, — and, trying to conceal 
o 


258 A MODERN MEP HIS T OPHELES. 


from him the contempt which even love could 
not repress, Gladys hid her face, with one re- 
proach, the bitterest she could have uttered, — 

“ O my husband ! did you give up honor, 
liberty, and peace for so poor a thing as that ? ” 

It cut him to the soul : for now he saw how 
high a price he had paid for an empty name ; 
how mean and poor his ambition looked ; how 
truly he deserved to be despised for that of which 
he had striven to be proud. Gladys had so rejoiced 
over him as a poet, that it was the hardest task 
of all to put off his borrowed singing-robes, and 
show himself an ordinary man. He forgot that 
there was any other tribunal than this, as he 
stood waiting for his sentence, oppressed with 
the fear that out of her almost stern sense of 
honor she might condemn him to the loss of the 
respect and confidence which he had lately 
learned to value as much as happiness and love. 

“You must despise me; but if you knew” — 
he humbly began, unable to bear the silence 
longer. 

“Tell me, then. I will not judge until I 
know;” and Gladys, just, even in her sorrow, 
looked up with an expression which said plainer 
than words, “ For better, for worse ; this is the 
worse, but I love you still.” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 259 


That made it possible for him to go on, fast 
and low, not stopping to choose phrases, but 
pouring out the little story of his temptation and 
fall, with a sense of intense relief that he was 
done with slavery for ever. 

“ Neither of us coolly planned this thing ; it 
came about so simply and naturally, it seemed a 
mere accident. — And yet, who can tell what he 
might have planned, seeing how weak I was, how 
ready to be tempted. — It happened in that second 
month, when I promised to stay ; he to help me 
with my book. It was all mine then ; but when 
we came to look at it, there was not enough to 
fill even the most modest volume; for I had 
burnt many, and must recall them, or write more. 
I tried honestly, but the power was not in me, 
and I fell into despair again ; for the desire to 
be known was the breath of my life.” 

“You will be, if not in this way, in some 
other; for power of some sort is in you. Believe 
it, and wait for it to show itself,” said Gladys, 
anxious to add patience and courage to the new 
humility and sincerity, which could not fail to 
ennoble and strengthen him in time. 

“ Bless you for that ! ” he answered, gratefully, 
and hurried on. “It came about in this wise: 
one day my master — he was then, but is no 


260 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


longer, thank God ! — sat reading over a mass 
of old papers, before destroying them. Here he 
came upon verses written in the diaries kept 
years ago, and threw them to me, Ho laugh 
over/ as he said. I did not laugh : I was filled 
with envy and admiration, and begged him to 
publish them. He scorned the idea, and bade 
me put them in the fire. I begged to keep 
them, and then, — Gladys, I swear to you I can- 
not tell whether I read the project in his face, 
or whether my own evil genius put it into my 
head, — then I said, audaciously, though hardly 
dreaming he would consent, ‘You do not care 
for fame, and throw these away as worthless : 
I long for it, and see more power in these than 
in any I can hope to write for years, perhaps ; 
let me add them to mine, and see what will come 
of it.’ ‘ Put your own name to them, if you do, 
and take the consequences,’ he answered, in that 
brusque way of his, which seems so careless, yet 
is so often premeditated. I assented, as I would 
have done to any thing that promised a quick 
trial of my talent; for in my secret soul I 
thought some of my songs better than his meta- 
physical verses, which impressed, rather than 
charmed me. The small imposture seemed to 
amuse him ; I had few scruples then, and we 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 26 1 


did it, with much private jesting about Beau- 
mont and Fletcher, literary frauds, and borrowed 
plumage. You know the rest The book suc- 
ceeded, but he saved it ; and the critics left me 
small consolation, for my songs were ignored as 
youthful ditties, his poems won all the praise, 
and / was pronounced a second Shelley.” 

“ But he ? Did he claim no share of the glory ? 
Was he content to let you have it all ? ” ques- 
tioned Gladys, trying to understand a thing so 
foreign to her nature that it seemed incredible. 

“ Yes ; I offered to come down from my high 
place, as soon as I realized how little right \ 
had to it. But he forbade me, saying, what I was 
fool enough to believe, that my talent only 
needed time and culture, and the sunshine of 
success to ripen it ; that notoriety would be a 
burden to him, since he had neither health to 
sustain nor spirits to enjoy it ; that in me he 
would live his youth over again, and, in return 
for such help as he could give, I should be a 
son to him. That touched and won me; now 
I can see in it a trap to catch and hold me, that 
he might amuse himself with my folly, play the 
generous patron, and twist my life to suit his 
ends. He likes curious and costly toys ; he had 
one then, and has not paid for it yet.” 


262 A MODERN ME PHIS T OP HE LES. 


" This other book ? Tell me of that, and 
speak low, or he may hear us,” whispered 
Gladys, trembling lest fire and powder should 
meet. 

With a motion of his foot Canaris sent the 
book that lay between them spinning across the 
hearth-rug out of sight, and answered, with a 
short, exultant laugh, — 

“ Ah ! there the fowler was taken in his own 
>aare. I did not see it then, and found it hard 
to understand why he should exert himself to 
please you by helping me. I thought it was a 
mere freak of literary rivalry ; and, when I taxed 
him with it, he owned that, though he cared 
nothing for the world’s praise, it was pleasant 
to know that his powers were still unimpaired, 
and be able to laugh in his sleeve at the deluded 
critics. That was like him, and it deceived me 
till to-day. Now I know that he begrudged me 
your admiration, wanted your tears and smiles 
for himself, and did not hesitate to steal them. 
The night he so adroitly read his work for mine, 
he tempted me through you. I had resolved to 
deserve the love and honor you gave me ; and 
again I tried, and again I failed, for my romance 
was a poor, pale thing to his. He had read it ; 
and, taking the same plot, made it what you 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 263 


know, writing as only such a man could write, 
when a strong motive stimulated him to do his 
best” 

“ But why did you submit ? Why stand 
silent and let him do so false a thing ? ” cried 
poor Gladys, wondering when the end of the 
tangle would come. 

“At first his coolness staggered me ; then I 
was curious to hear, then held even, against my 
will, by admiration of the thing — and you. I 
meant to speak out, I longed to do it ; but it 
was very hard, while you were praising me so elo- 
quently. The words were on my lips, when in 
his face I saw a look that sealed them. He 
meant that I should utter the self-accusation 
which would lower me for ever and raise him 
in your regard. I could not bear it. There was 
no time to think, only to feel, and I vowed to 
make you happy, at all costs. I hardly thought 
he would submit ; but he did, and I believed that 
it was through surprise at being outwitted for 
the moment, or pity towards you. It was neither : 
he fancied I had discovered his secret, and he 
dared not defy me then.” 

“But when I was gone? You were so late 
that night : I heard your voices, sharp and angry, 
as I went away.” 


264 A MODERN MEP HIS T OPHELES. 


“ Yes ; that was my hour, and I enjoyed it. 
He had often twitted me with the hold he had 
on my name and fame, and I bore it ; for, till 
I loved you, they were the dearest things I 
owned. That night I told him he should not 
speak ; that you should enjoy your pride in 
me, even at his expense, and I refused to 
release him from his bond, as he had, more 
than once, refused to release me : for we had 
sworn never to confess till both agreed to it. 
Good heavens ! how low he must have thought 
I had fallen, if I could consent to buy your hap- 
piness at the cost of my honor ! He did think 
it : that made him yield ; that is the cause of 
the contempt he has not cared to hide from me 
since then ; and that adds a double edge to my 
hatred now. I was to be knave as well as fool ; 
and while I blinded myself with his reflected 
light, he would have filched my one jewel from 
me. Gladys, save me, keep me, or I shall do 
something desperate yet ! ” 

Beside himself with humiliation, remorse, and 
wrath, Canaris flung himself down before her, as 
if only by clinging to that frail spar could he 
ride out the storm in which he was lost without 
compass or rudder. 

Then Gladys showed him that such love as 


A MODERN ME PH IS T OPHELES. 265 


hers could not fail, but, like an altar-fire, glowed 
the stronger for every costly sacrifice thrown 
therein. Lifting up the discrowned head, she 
laid it on her bosom with a sweet motherliness 
which comforted more than her tender words. 

“My poor Felix! you have suffered enough 
for this deceit ; I forgive it, and keep my 
reproaches for the false friend who led you 
astray.” 

“It was so paltry, weak, and selfish. You 
must despise me,” he said, wistfully, still think- 
ing more of his own pain than hers. 

“ I do despise the sin, not the dear sinner who 
repents and is an honest man again.” 

“ But a beggar.” 

“ We have each other. Hush ! stand up ; 
some one is coming.” 

Canaris had barely time to spring to his feet, 
when Stern came in, and was about to pass on 
in silence, though much amazed to see Gladys 
there at that hour, when the expression of the 
young man’s face made him forget decorum and 
stop short, exclaiming, anxiously, — 

“Mr. Felix, what’s the matter? Is master 
worse ? ” 

“ Safe and asleep. Mrs. Canaris came to see 
what I was about.” 


12 


266 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


“ Then, sir, if I may make so bold, the sooner 
she gets to bed again the better. It is far too 
late for her to be down here ; the poor young 
lady looks half-dead,” Stern whispered, with the 
freedom of an old servant. 

“You are right. Come, love;” and without 
another word Canaris led her away, leaving Stern 
to shake his gray head as he looked after them. 

Gladys was utterly exhausted ; and in the hall 
she faltered, saying, with a patient sigh, as she 
looked up the long stairway, “ Dear, wait a little ; 
it is so far, — my strength is all gone.” 

Canaris caught her in his arms and carried 
her away, asking himself, with a remorseful pang 
that rent his heart, — 

“ Is this the murder I have committed ? ” 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 2 6 j 


XVII. 


“ O TERN ! ” 

^ “ Yes, sir.” 

“ What time is it ? ” 

“ Past two, sir.” 

“ What news ? I see bad tidings of some sort 
in that lugubrious face of yours ; out with it ! ” 

“ The little boy arrived at dawn, sir,” answered 
old Stern, with a paternal air. 

“ What little boy ? ” 

“ Canaris, Jr., sir,” simpered the valet, ventur- 
ing to be jocose. 

“ The deuce he did ! Precipitate, like his 
father. Where is Felix ? ” 

“ With her, sir. In a state of mind, as well he 
may be, letting that delicate young thing sit up 
to keep him company over his poetry stuff,” 
muttered Stern, busying himself with the shut- 
ters. 

“ Sit up ! when ? where ? what are you maun 
dering about, man ? ” and Helwyze himself sat 


268 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


up among the pillows, looking unusually wide- 
awake. 

“Last night, sir, in the study. Mr. Felix 
made me go for a wink of sleep, and when I 
came back, about one, there sat Mrs. Canaris as 
white as her gown, and him looking as wild as a 
hawk. Something was amiss, I could see plain 
enough, but it wasn’t my place to ask questions , 
so I just made bold to suggest that it was late 
for her to be up, and he took her away, looking 
dazed-like. That’s all I know, sir, till I found 
the women in a great flustration this morning.” 

“ And I slept through it all ? ” 

“Yes, sir ; so soundly, I was a bit anxious till 
you waked. I found the glass empty and the 
bottle smashed, and I was afraid you might 
have taken too much of that choral while half- 
asleep.” 

“ No fear ; nothing kills me. Now get me 
up;” and Helwyze made his toilet with a speed 
and energy which caused Stern to consider 
“ choral ” a wonderful discovery. 

A pretence of breakfast; then Helwyze sat 
down to wait for further tidings, — externally 
quite calm, internally tormented by a great anx- 
iety, till Olivia came in, full of cheering news 
and sanguine expectations. 


A MODERN MEPH/STOPHELES. 269 


“ Gladys is asleep, with baby on her arm, and 
Felix adoring in the background. Poor boy! 
he cannot bear much, and is quite bowed down 
with remorse for something he has done. Do 
you know what ? ” 

As she spoke, Olivia stooped to pick up a 
book half-hidden by the fringe of a low chair. 
It lay face downward, and, in smoothing the 
crumpled leaves before closing it, she caught 
sight of a black and blotted name. So did Hel- 
wyze ; a look of intelligence flashed over his 
face, and, taking the volume quickly, he an- 
swered, with his finger on the title-page,; — 

“Yes, now I know, and so may you; for if 
one woman is in the secret, it will soon be out. 
Felix wrote that, and it is true.” 

“ I thought so ! One woman has known it for 
a long time ; nevertheless, the secret was kept 
for your sake ; ” and Olivia’s dark face sparkled 
with malicious merriment, as she saw the expres- 
sion of mingled annoyance, pride, and pleasure 
in his. 

“ My compliments and thanks : you are the 
eighth wonder of the world. But what led you 
to suspect this little fraud of ours ? ” 

“ I did not, till the last book came ; then I 
was struck here and there by certain peculiar 


270 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


phrases, certain tender epithets, which I think 
no one ever heard from your lips but me. These, 
in the hero’s mouth, made me sure that you had 
helped Canaris, if not done the whole yourself, 
and his odd manner at times confirmed my sus- 
picion.” 

“You have a good memory : I forgot that.” 

“I have had so few such words from you 
that it is easy to remember them,” murmured 
Olivia, reproachfully. 

It seemed to touch him ; for just then he 
felt deserted, well knowing that he had lost 
both Felix and Gladys ; but Olivia never would 
desert him, no matter what discovery was made, 
or who might fall away. He thanked her for 
her devotion, with the first ray of hope given for 
years, as he said, in the tone so seldom heard, — 

“You shall have more henceforth; for you 
are a staunch friend, and now I have no other.” 

“Dear Jasper, you shall never find me warn- 
ing. I will be true to the death ! ” she cried, 
blooming suddenly into her best and brightest 
beauty, with the delight of this rare moment 
Then, fearing to express too much, she wisely 
turned again to Felix, asking curiously, “But 
why did you let this young daw deck himself 
out in your plumes ? It enrages me, to think 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 2J\ 


of his receiving the praise and honor due to 
you.” 

He told her briefly, adding, with more than 
his accustomed bitterness, — 

“What did I want with praise and honor? 
To be gaped and gossiped about would have 
driven me mad. It pleased that vain boy as 
much as fooling the public amused me. A whim, 
and, being a dishonest one, we shall both have 
to pay for it, I suppose.” 

“What will he do?” 

“ He has told Gladys, to begin with ; and, if it 
had been possible, would have taken some deci- 
sive step to-day. He can do nothing sagely and 
quietly: there must be a dramatic denouement 
to every chapter of his life. I think he has one 
now.” Helwyze laughed, as he struck back the 
leaves of the book he still held, and looked at 
the dashing signature of his own name. 

“ He wrote that, then ?” asked Olivia. 

“Yes, here, at midnight, while I lay asleep 
and let him tell the tale as he liked to Gladys. 
No wonder it startled her, so tragically given. 
The sequel may be more tragic yet : I seem to 
feel it in the air.” 

“What shall you do?” asked Olivia, more 
anxiously than before; for Helwyze looked up 


272 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


with as sinister an expression as if he knew how 
desperate an enemy had stood over him last 
night, and when his own turn came, would be 
less merciful. 

“Do ? Nothing. They will go; I shall stay ; 
tongues will wag, and I shall be tormented. I 
shall seem the gainer, he the loser ; but it will 
not be so.” 

Involuntarily his eye went to the little chair 
where Gladys would sit no longer, and dark- 
ened as if some light had gone out which used 
to cheer and comfort him. Olivia saw it, and 
could not restrain the question that broke from 
her lips, — 

“ You do love her, Jasper ? ” 

“I shall miss her; but you shall take her 
place.” 

Calm and a little scornful’ was his face, his 
voice quite steady, and a smile was shed upon 
her with the last welcome words. But Olivia 
was not deceived : the calmness was unnatural, 
the voice too steady, the smile too sudden ; and 
her heart sank as she thanked him, without 
another question. For a while they sat together 
playing well their parts, then she went away to 
Gladys, and he was left to several hours of soli- 
tary musing. 


A MODERN MEPHIST OPHELES. 273 


Had he been a better man, he would not have 
sinned ; had he been a worse one, he could not 
have suffered; being what he was, he did both, 
and, having no one else to study now, looked 
deeply into himself, and was dismayed at what 
he saw. For the new love, purer, yet more 
hopeless than the old, shone like a star above 
an abyss, showing him whither he had wandered 
in the dark. 

Sunset came, filling the room with its soft 
splendor ; and he watched the red rays linger 
longest in Gladys’s corner. Her little basket 
stood as she left it, her books lay orderly, her 
desk was shut, a dead flower drooped from 
the slender vase, and across the couch trailed a 
soft white shawl she had been wont to wear. 
Helwyze did not approach the spot, but stood 
afar off looking at these small familiar things 
with the melancholy fortitude of one inured to 
loss and pain. Regret rather than remorse 
possessed him as he thought, drearily, — 

“ A year to-morrow since she came. How 
shall I exist without her ? Where will her new 
home be ? ” 

An answer was soon given to the last ques- 
tion ; for, while his fancy still hovered about that 
nook, and the gentle presence which had vanished 
12* 


R 


274 A MODERN MEPHIS T OPHELES. 


as the sunshine was fast vanishing, Canaris 
came in wearing such an expression of despair, 
that Helwyze recoiled, leaving half- uttered a 
playful inquiry about “ the little son.” 

“ I have no son.” 

“Dead?” 

“ Dead. I have murdered both.” 

“ But Gladys ? ” 

“Dying; she asks for you, — come!” No 
need of that hoarse command; Helwyze was 
gone at the first word, swiftly through room and 
hall, up the stairs he had not mounted for 
months, straight to that chamber-door. There 
a hand clutched his shoulder, a breathless voice 
said, “ Here I am first ; ” and Canaris passed in 
before him, motioning away a group of tearful 
women as he went. 

Helwyze lingered, pale and panting, till they 
were gone ; then he looked and listened, as if 
turned to stone, for in the heart of the hush 
lay Gladys, talking softly to the dead baby on 
her arm. Not mourning over it, but yearning 
with maternal haste to follow and cherish the 
creature of her love. 

“ Only a day old ; so young to go away alone. 
Even in heaven you will want your mother, dar- 
ling, and she will come. Sleep, my baby, I will 
be with you when you wake.” 


A MODERN MEPHIS T OPHELES. 275 


A stifled sound of anguish recalled the happy 
soul, already half-way home, and Gladys turned 
her quiet eyes to her husband bending over her. 

“ Dear, will he come ? ” she whispered. 

“ He is here.” 

He was ; and, standing on either side the bed, 
the two men seemed unconscious of each other, 
intent only upon her. Feebly she drew the 
white cover over the little cold thing in her 
bosom, as if too sacred for any eyes but hers to 
see, then lifted up her hand with a beseeching 
glance from one haggard face to the other. 
They understood ; each gave the hand she asked, 
and, holding them together with the last effort 
of failing strength, she said, clear and low, — 

“ Forgive each other for my sake.” 

Neither spoke, having no words, but by a 
mute gesture answered as she wished. Some- 
thing brighter than a smile rested on her face, 
and, as if satisfied, she turned again to Canaris, 
seeming to forget all else in the tender farewell 
she gave him. 

“ Remember, love, remember we shall be 
waiting for you. The new home will not be 
home to us until you come.” 

As her detaining touch was lifted, the two 
hands fell apart, never to meet again. Canaris 


276 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


knelt down to lay his head beside hers on the 
pillow, to catch the last accents of the beloved 
voice, sweet even now. Helwyze, forgotten by 
them both, drew back into the shadow of the 
deep red curtains, still studying with an awful 
curiosity the great mystery of death, asking, 
even while his heart grew cold within him, — 

“ Will the faith she trusted sustain her now ? ” 
It did ; for, leaning on the bosom of Infinite 
Love, like a confiding child in its father’s arms, 
without a doubt or fear to mar her peace, a 
murmur or lament to make the parting harder, 
Gladys went to her own place. 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 277 


XVIII. 

“ TIj'OR in that sleep of death, what dreams 
may come. Is this one ? ” was the vague 
feeling, rather than thought, of which Helwyze 
was dimly conscious, as he lay in what seemed 
a grave, so cold, so dead he felt ; so powerless 
and pent, in what he fancied was his coffin. He 
remembered the slow rising of a tide of helpless- 
ness which chilled his blood and benumbed his 
brain, till the last idea to be distinguished was, 
“ I am dying : shall I meet Gladys ? ” then came 
oblivion, and now, what was this ? 

Something was alive still — something which 
strove to see, move, speak, yet could not, till the 
mist, which obscured every sense, should clear 
away. A murmur was in the air, growing 
clearer every instant, as it rose and fell, like 
the muffled sound of waves upon a distant 
shore. Presently he recognized human voices, 
and the words they uttered, — words which had 
no meaning, till, like an electric shock, intelli- 
gence returned, bringing with it a great fear 


278 A MODERN MEPH/STOPHELES. 


Olivia was mourning over him, and he felt her 
tears upon his face ; but it was not this which 
stung him to sudden life, — it was another voice, 
saying, low, but with a terrible distinctness, — 

“There is no hope. He may remain so for 
some years; but sooner or later the brain will 
share the paralysis of the body, and leave our 
poor friend in a state I grieve to think of.” 

“ No ! ” burst from Helwyze, with an effort 
which seemed to dispel the trance which held 
his faculties. Stir he could not, but speak he 
did, and opened wide the eyes which had been 
closed for hours. With the unutterable relief 
of one roused from a nightmare he recognized 
his own room, Olivia’s tender face bent over 
him, and his physician holding a hand that had 
no feeling in it. 

“Not dead yet;” he muttered, with a feeble 
sort of exultation, adding, with as feeble a 
despair and doubt, “but she is. Did I dream 
that?” 

“ Alas, no ! ” and Olivia wiped away her own 
tears from the forehead which began to work 
with the rush of returning memory and thought. 

“ What does this numbness mean ? Why are 
you here ? ” he asked, as his eye went from one 
face to the other 


A MODERN MEPHIS T OPIIELES. 279 


“ Dear Jasper, it means that you are ill. Stem 
found you unconscious in your chair last night. 
You are much better now, but it alarmed us, for 
we thought you dead,” replied Olivia, knowing 
that he would have the truth at any cost. 

“ I remember thinking it was death, and being 
glad of it. Why did you bring me back ? I had 
no wish to come.” 

She forgave the ingratitude, and went on 
chafing the cold hand so tenderly, that Helwyze 
reproached no more, but, turning to the physi- 
cian, demanded, with a trace of the old imperious- 
ness coming back into his feeble voice, — 

“ Is this to be the end of it ? ” 

“ I fear so, Mr. Helwyze. You will not suffer 
any more, let that comfort you.” 

■“ My body may not, but my mind will suffer 
horribly. Good heavens, man, do you call this 
death in life a comfortable end ? How long 
have I got to lie here watching my wits go ? ” 

“ It is impossible to say.” 

“ But certain, sooner or later ? ” 

“There is a chance, — your brain has been 
overworked : it must have rest,” began the doctor, 
trying to soften the hard facts, since his patient 
would have them. 

“ Rest ! kill me at once, then ; annihilation 


280 a modern mephistopheles. 


would be far better than such rest as that. I 
will not lie here waiting for imbecility, — put an 
end to this, or let me ! ” cried Helwyze, strug- 
gling to lift his powerless right hand ; and, find- 
ing it impossible, he looked about him with an 
impotent desperation which wrung Olivia’s heart, 
and alarmed the physician, although he had long 
foreseen this climax. 

Both vainly tried to soothe and console ; but 
after that one despairing appeal Helwyze turned 
his face to the wall, and lay so for hours. 
Asleep, they hoped, but in reality tasting the 
first bitterness of the punishment sent upon 
him as an expiation for the sin of misusing one 
of Heaven’s best gifts. No words could describe 
the terror such a fate had for him, since intellect 
had been his god, and he already felt it tottering 
to its fall. On what should he lean, if that were 
taken ? where see any ray of hope to make the 
present endurable? where find any resignation 
to lighten the gloom of such a future ? 

Restless mind and lawless will, now impris- 
oned in a helpless body, preyed on each other 
like wild creatures caged, finding it impossible 
to escape, and as impossible to submit. Death 
would not have daunted him, pain he had learned 
to endure ; but this slow decay of his most pre- 


A MODERN MEPHIST OPHELES. 28 1 


cious possession he could not bear, and suffered 
a new martyrdom infinitely sharper than the old. 

How time went he never knew ; for, although 
merciful unconsciousness was denied him, his 
thoughts, like avenging Furies, drove him from 
one bitter memory to another, probing his soul 
as he had probed others, and tormenting him 
with an almost supernatural activity of brain be- 
fore its long rest began. Ages seemed to pass, 
while he took no heed of what went on about 
him. People came and went, faces bent over 
him, hands ministered to him, and voices whis- 
pered in the room. He knew all this, without 
the desire to do so, longing only to forget and 
be forgotten, with an increasing irritation, which 
slowly brought him back from that inner world 
of wordless pain to the outer one, which must 
be faced, and in some fashion endured. 

Olivia still sat near him, as if she had not 
stirred, though it was morning when last he 
spoke, and now night had come. The familiar 
room was dim and still, every thing already or- 
dered for his comfort, and the brilliant cousin 
had transformed herself into a quiet nurse. The 
rustling silks were replaced by a soft, gray gown ; 
the ornaments all gone ; even the fine hair was 
half-hidden by the little kerchief of lace tied ovei 


282 4 MODERN MEP HIS T OPHELES. 


it. Yet never had Olivia been more beautiful ; 
for now the haughty queen had changed to a 
sad woman, wearing for her sole ornaments con- 
stancy and love. Worn and weary she looked, 
but a sort of sorrowful content was visible, a 
jealous tenderness, which plainly told that for 
her, at least, there was a drop of honey even in 
the new affliction, since it made him more her 
own than ever. 

“ Poor soul ! she promised to be faithful to 
the death ; and she will be, — even such a death 
as this.” 

A sigh, that was almost a groan, broke from 
Helwyze as the thought came, and Olivia was 
instantly at his side. 

“Are you suffering, Jasper? What can I do 
for you ? ” she said, with such a passionate desire 
to serve or cheer, that he could not but answer, 
gently, — 

“ I am done with pain : teach me to be 
patient.” 

“ Oh, if I could ! we must learn that to- 
gether,” she said, feeling with him how sorely 
both would need the meek virtue to sustain the 
life before them. 

" Where is Felix ? ” asked Helwyze, after 
lying for a while, with his eyes upon the fire, as 


A MODERN MEPHIS T OPHELES. 283 


if they would absorb its light and warmth into 
their melancholy depths. 

“Mourning for Gladys,” replied Olivia, fear- 
ing to touch the dangerous topic, yet anxious to 
know how the two men stood toward one an- 
other; for something in the manner of the 
younger, when the elder was mentioned, made 
her suspect some stronger, sadder tie between 
them than the one she had already guessed. 

“ Does he know of this ?” and Helwyze struck 
himself a feeble blow with the one hand which 
he could use, now lying on his breast. 

“ Yes.” 

“ What does he say of me ? ” 

“ Nothing.” 

“ I must see him.” 

“You shall. I asked him if he had no word 
for you, and he answered, with a strange expres- 
sion, ‘ When I have buried my dead I will come, 
for the last time.’ ” 

“ How does he look ? ” questioned Helwyze, 
curious to see, even through another’s eyes, the 
effect of sorrow upon the man whom he had 
watched so long and closely. 

“ Sadly broken ; but he is young and san- 
guine : he will soon forget, and be happy again ; 
so do not let a thought of him disturb you, 
Jasper.” 


284 A MODERN ME PHIS T OPHELES . 


“ It does not : we made our bargain, and held 
each other to it, till he chose to break it. Let 
him bear the consequences, as I do.” 

“ Alas, they fall on him far less heavily than 
on you ! He has all the world before him 
where to choose, while you have nothing left — 
but me.” 

He did not seem to hear her, and fell into a 
gloomy reverie, which she dared not break, but 
sat, patiently beguiling her lonely watch with 
sad thoughts of the twilight future they were to 
share together, — a future which might have been 
so beautiful and happy, had true love earlier 
made them one. 

Another day, another night, then there were 
sounds about the house which told Helwyze what 
was passing, without the need of any question. 
He asked none ; but lay silent for the most 
part, as if careless or unconscious of what went 
on around him. He missed Olivia for an hour, 
and when she returned, traces of tears upon her 
cheeks told him that she had been to say fare- 
well to Gladys. He had not spoken that name 
even to himself ; for now an immeasurable space 
seemed to lie between him and its gentle owner. 
She had gone into a world whither he could not 
follow her. A veil, invisible, yet impenetrable, 


A MODERN M EPHIST OPHELES. 285 


separated them for ever, he believed, and nothing 
remained to him but a memory that would not 
die, — a memory so bitter-sweet, so made up of 
remorse and reverence, love and longing, that it 
seemed to waken his heart from its long sleep, 
and kindle in it a spark of the divine fire, whose 
flame purified while it consumed; for even in 
his darkness and desolation he was not forgot- 
ten. 

Late that day Canaris came, looking like a 
man escaped from a great shipwreck, with noth- 
ing left him but his life. Unannounced he 
entered, and, with the brevity which in moments 
of strong feeling is more expressive than elo- 
quence, he said, — 

“ I am going.” 

“ Where ? ” asked Helwyze, conscious that any 
semblance of friendship, any word of sympathy, 
was impossible between them. 

“ Out into the world again.” 

“ What will you do ? ” 

“ Any honest work I can find.” 

“ Let me ” — 

“ No ! I will take nothing from you. Poor as 
I came, I will go, — except the few relics I pos- 
sess of her.” 

A traitorous tremor in the voice which was 


286 A MODERN ME PH IS T OFHELES . 


stern with repressed emotion warned Canaris 
to pause there, while his eye turned to Olivia, 
as if reminded of some last debt to her. From 
his breast he drew a little paper, unfolded it, and 
took out what looked like a massive ring of gold ; 
this he laid before her, saying, with a softened 
mien and accent, — 

“You were very kind, — I have nothing else 
to offer, — let me give you this, in memory of 
Gladys.” 

Only a tress of sunny hair ; but Olivia re- 
ceived the gift as if it were a very precious one, 
thanking him, not only with wet eyes, but friendly 
words. 

“ Dear Felix, for her sake let me help you, if I 
can. Do not go away so lonely, purposeless, and 
poor. The world is hard ; you will be disheart- 
ened, and turn desperate, with no one to love and 
hope and work for.” 

“I must help myself. I am poor; but not 
purposeless, nor alone. Disheartened I may be : 
never desperate again ; for I have some one to 
love and hope and work for. She is waiting for 
me somewhere : I must make myself worthy to 
follow and find her. I have promised ; and, God 
helping me, I will keep that promise.” 

Very humble, yet hopeful, was the voice ; and 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 287 


full of a sad courage was the young man’s altered 
face, — for out of it the gladness and the bloom 
of youth had gone for ever, leaving the strength 
of a noble purpose to confront a life which here- 
after should be honest, if not happy. 

Helwyze had not the infinite patience to work 
in marble ; the power to chisel even his own 
divided nature into harmony, like the sculptor, 
who, in the likeness of a suffering saint, hewed 
his own features out of granite. He could only 
work in clay, as caprice inspired or circum- 
stance suggested; forgetting that life’s stream of 
mixed and molten metals would flow over his 
faulty models, fixing unalterably both beauty and 
blemish. He had found the youth plastic as 
clay, had shaped him as he would ; till, tiring of 
the task, he had been ready to destroy his work. 
But the hand of a greater Master had dropped 
into the furnace the gold of an enduring love, to 
brighten the bronze in which suffering and time 
were to cast the statue of the man. Helwyze 
saw this now, and a pang of something sharper 
than remorse wrung from him the reluctant 
words, — 

“Take, as my last gift, the fame which has 
cost you so much. I will never claim it : to me 
it is an added affliction, to you it may be a help. 


288 A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES. 


Keep it, I implore you, and give me the pardon 
she asked of you.” 

But Canaris turned on him with the air of one 
who cries, “ Get thee behind me ! ” and answered 
with enough of the old vehemence to prove that 
grief had not yet subdued the passionate spirit 
which had been his undoing, — 

“ It is no longer in your power to tempt me, 
or in mine to be tempted, by my bosom sin. 
Forsythe knows the truth, and the world already 
wonders. I will earn a better fame for myself : 
keep this, and enjoy it, if you can. Pardon I 
cannot promise yet; but I give you my pity, 
‘for her sake.’” 

With that — the bitterest word he could have 
uttered — Canaris was gone, leaving Helwyze to 
writhe under the double burden imposed by one 
more just than generous. Olivia durst not speak ; 
and, in the silence, both listened to the hasty 
footsteps that passed from room to room, till a 
door closed loudly, and they knew that Canaris 
had set forth upon that long pilgrimage which 
was in time to lead him up to Gladys. 

Helwyze spoke first, exclaiming, with a dreary 
laugh, — 

“So much for playing Providence ! You were 
right, and I was rash to try it. Goethe could 


A MODERN MEPHISTOPHELES . 289 


make his Satan as he liked ; but Fate was 
stronger than I, and so comes ignominious failure. 
Margaret dies, and Faust suffers, but Mephis- 
topheles cannot go with him on his new wander- 
ings. Still, it holds — it holds even to the last I 
My end comes too soon ; yet it is true. In lov- 
ing the angel I lose the soul I had nearly won; 
the roses turn to flakes of fire, and the poor 
devil is left lamenting.” 

Olivia thought him wandering, and listened 
in alarm ; for his thoughts seemed blown to and 
fro, like leaves in a fitful gust, and she had no 
clew to them. Presently, he broke out again, 
still haunted by the real tragedy in which he had 
borne a part ; still following Canaris, whose free- 
dom was like the thought of water to parched 
Tantalus. 

“ He will do it ! he will do it ! When 01 
how, who shall say ? but, soon or late, she will 
save him, since he believes in such salvation. 
Would that I did ! ” 

Perhaps the despairing wish was the seed of a 
future hope, which might blossom into belief. 
Olivia trusted so, and tried to murmur some 
comfortable, though vague, assurance of a love 
and pity greater even % than hers. He did not 
hear her; for his eyes were fixed, with an ex- 
13 


s 


290 A MODERN MEPHIST OPHELES. 


pression of agonized yearning, upon the sky, 
serene and beautiful, but infinitely distant, in- 
exorably dumb ; and, when he spoke, his words 
had in them both his punishment and her 
own, — 

“Life before was Purgatory, now it is Hell; 
because I loved her, and / have no hope to fol- 
low and find her again.” 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 



A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 



S we rolled along, I scanned my companion cov- 


ertly, and saw much to interest a girl of seven- 
teen. My uncle was a handsome man, with all the 
polish of foreign life fresh upon him ; yet it was neither 
comeliness nor graceful ease which most attracted me ; 
for even my inexperienced eye caught glimpses of 
something stern and sombre below these external 
charms, and my long scrutiny showed me the keenest 
eye, the hardest mouth, the subtlest smile I ever saw, 
— a face which in repose wore the look which comes 
to those who have led lives of pleasure and learned 
their emptiness. He seemed intent on some thought 
that absorbed him, and for a time rendered him forget- 
ful of my presence, as he sat with folded arms, fixed 
eyes, and restless lips. While I looked, my own mind 
was full of deeper thought than it had ever been before; 
for I was recalling, word for word, a paragraph in that 
half-read letter : — 

“ At eighteen Sybil is to marry her cousin, the compact ha ring 
been made between my brother and myself in their childhood. My 
son is with me now, and I wish them to be together during the 
next few months, therefore my niece must leave you sooner than 
I at first intended. Oblige me by preparing her for an immediate 
and final separation, but leave all disclosures to me, as I prefer 
the girl to remain ignorant of the matter for the present.” 


294 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


That displeased me. Why was I to remain igno* 
i ant of so important an affair? Then I smiled to 
myself, remembering that I did know, thanks to the 
wilful curiosity that prompted me to steal a peep into 
the letter that Madame Bernard had pored over with 
such an anxious face. I saw only a single paragraph, 
for my own name arrested my eye; and, though wild to 
read all, I had scarcely time to whisk the paper back 
into the reticule the forgetful old soul had left hanging 
on the arm of her chair. It was enough, however, to 
set my girlish brain in a ferment, and keep me gazing 
wistfully at my uncle, conscious that my future now 
lay in his hands ; for I was an orphan £nd he my guar- 
dian, though I had seen him but seldom since I was 
confided to madame a six years’ child. Presently 
my uncle became cognizant of my steady stare, and 
returned it with one as steady for a moment, then said, 
in a low, smooth tone, that ill accorded with the satir- 
ical smile that touched his lips, — 

“ I am a dull companion for my little niece. How 
shall I provide her with pleasanter amusement than 
counting my wrinkles or guessing my thoughts ? ” 

I was a frank, fearless creature, quick to feel, speak, 
and act, so I answered readily, — 

“ Tell me about my cousin Guy. Is he as handsome, 
brave, and clever as madame says his father was when 
a boy?” 

My uncle laughed a short laugh, touched with scorn, 
whether for madame, himself, or me I could not tell, for 
his countenance was hard to read. 

w A girl’s question and artfully put ; nevertheless I 
shall not answer it, but let you judge for yourself.” 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK . 


295 


“But, sir, it will amuse me and beguile the way. I 
feel a little strange and forlorn at leaving madame, and 
talking of my new home and friends will help me to 
know and love them sooner. Please tell me, for I’ve 
had my own way all my life, and can’t bear to be 
crossed.” 

My petulance seemed to amuse him, and I became 
aware that he was observing me with a scrutiny as 
keen as my own had been ; but I smilingly sustained 
it, for my vanity was pleased by the approbation his 
eye betrayed. The evident interest he now took in 
all I said and did was sufficient flattery for a young 
thing, who felt her charms and longed to try their 
power. 

“ I, too, have had my own way all my life ; and as 
the life is double the length, the will is double the 
strength of yours, and again I say no. What next, 
mademoiselle ?” 

He was blander than ever as he spoke, but I was 
piqued, and resolved to try coaxing, eager to gain my 
point, lest a too early submission now should mar my 
freedom in the future. 

“ But that is ungallant, uncle, and I still have hopes 
of a kinder answer, both because you are too generous 
tc refuse so small a favor to your ‘ little niece,’ and 
because she can be charmingly wffieedlesome when she 
likes. Won’t you say yes now, uncle?” and, pleased 
with the daring of the thing, I put my arm about his 
neck, kissed him daintily, and perched myself upon his 
knee with most audacious ease. 

He regarded me mutely for an instant, then holding 
me fast deliberately returned my salute on lips, cheeks, 


296 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


and forehead, with such warmth that I turned scarlet 
and struggled to free myself, while he laughed that 
mirthless laugh of his till my shame turned to anger, 
and I imperiously commanded him to let me go. 

“Not yet, young lady. You came here for your 
own pleasure, but shall stay for mine, till I tame you 
as I see you must be tamed. It is a short process with 
me, and I possess experience in the work ; for Guy, 
though by nature as wild as a hawk, has learned to 
come at my call as meekly as a dove. Chut! what a 
little fury it is ! ” 

I was just then ; for exasperated at his coolness, and 
quite beside myself, I had suddenly stooped and bitten 
the shapely white hand that held both my own. I had 
better have submitted ; for slight as the foolish action 
was, it had an influence on my after life as many another 
such has had. My uncle stopped laughing, his hand 
tightened its grasp, for a moment his cold eye glittered 
and a grim look settled round the mouth, giving to his 
whole face a ruthless expression that entirely altered it. 
I felt perfectly powerless. All my little arts had failed, 
and for the first time I was mastered. Yet only physi- 
cally ; my spirit was rebellious still. He saw it in the 
glance that met his own, as I sat erect and pale, with 
something more than childish anger. I think it pleased 
him, for swiftly as it had come the dark look passed, 
and quietly, as if we were the best of friends, he began 
to relate certain exciting adventures he had known 
abroad, lending to the picturesque narration the charm 
of that peculiarly melodious voice, which soothed 
and won me in spite of myself, holding me intent till 
I forgot the past; and when he paused I found that 


A WHISPER IN THE HARK. 


297 


I was leaning confidentially on his shoulder, asking 
for more, yet conscious of an instinctive distrust of 
this man whom I had so soon learned to fear yet 
fancy. 

As I was recalled to myself, I endeavored to leave 
him; but he still detained me, and, with a curious 
expression, produced a case so quaintly fashioned that 
I cried out in admiration, while he selected two ciga- 
rettes, mildly aromatic with the herbs they were 
composed of, lit them, offered me one, dropped the 
window, and leaning back surveyed me with an air 
of extreme enjoyment, as I sat meekly puffing and 
wondering what prank I should play a part in next. 
Slowly the narcotic influence of the herbs diffused 
itself like a pleasant haze over all my senses ; sleep, the 
most grateful, fell upon my eyelids, and the last thing 
I remember was my uncle’s face dreamily regarding me 
through a cloud of fragrant smoke. Twilight wrapped 
us in its shadows when I woke, with the night wind 
blowing on my forehead, the muffled roll of wheels 
sounding in my ear, and my cheek pillowed upon my 
uncle’s arm. He was humming a French chanson 
about “ Love and Wine, and the Seine to-morrow!” I 
listened till I caught the air, and presently joined him, 
mingling my girlish treble with his flute-like tenor. 
He stopped at once, and, in the coolly courteous tone I 
had always heard in our few interviews, asked if I was 
ready for lights and home. 

“ Are we there ? ” I cried ; and looking out saw that 
we were ascending an avenue which swept up to a pile 
of buildings that rose tall and dark against the sky, with 
here and there a gleam along its gray front. 


298 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


u Home at last, thank Heaven ! ” And springing out 
with the agility of a young man, my uncle led me over 
a terrace into a long hall, light and warm, and odorous 
with the breath of flowers blossoming here and there 
in graceful groups. A civil, middle-aged maid received 
and took me to my room, a bijou of a place, which 
increased my wonder when told that my uncle had 
chosen all its decorations and superintended their 
arrangement. “ He understands women,” I thought, 
handling the toilet ornaments, trying luxurious chair 
and lounge, and ending by slipping my feet into the 
scarlet and white Turkish slippers, coquettishly turn- 
ing up their toes before the fire. A few moments I 
gave to examination, and, having expressed my satis- 
faction, was asked by my maid if I would be pleased to 
dress, as “the master” never allowed dinner to wait 
for any one. This recalled to me the fact that I was 
doubtless to meet my future husband at that meal, and 
in a moment every faculty was intent upon achieving a 
grand toilette for this first interview. The maid pos- 
sessed skill and taste, and I a wardrobe lately embel- 
lished with Parisian gifts from my uncle which I was 
eager to display in his honor. 

When ready, I surveyed myself in the long mirror as 
I had never done before, and saw there a little figure, 
slender, yet stately, in a dress of foreign fashion, orna- 
mented with lace and carnation ribbons which en- 
hanced the fairness of neck and arms, while blonde 
hair, wavy and golden, was gathered into an antique 
knot of curls behind, with a carnation fillet, and below 
a blooming dark-eyed face, just then radiant with girl- 
ish vanity and eagerness and hope. 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


299 


“ I’m glad I’m pretty ! ” 

“ So am I, Sybil.” 

I had unconsciously spoken aloud, and the echo came 
from the doorway where stood my uncle, carefully 
dressed, looking comelier and cooler than ever. The 
disagreeable smile flitted over his lips as he spoke, and 
I started, then stood abashed, till beckoning, he added 
in his most courtly manner, — 

“You were so absorbed in the contemplation of your 
charming self, that Janet answered my tap and took 
herself away unheard. You are mistress of my table 
now : it waits ; will you come down ? ” 

With a last touch to that unruly hair of mine, a 
last, comprehensive glance and shake, I took the of- 
fered arm and rustled down the wide staircase, feel- 
ing that the romance of my life was about to begin. 
Three covers were laid, three chairs set, but only two 
were occupied, for no Guy appeared. I asked no ques- 
tions, showed no surprise, but tried to devour my cha- 
grin with my dinner, and exerted myself to charm my 
uncle into the belief that I had forgotten my cousin. 
It was a failure, however, for that empty seat had an 
irresistible fascination for me, and more than once, as 
my eye returned from its furtive scrutiny of napkin, 
plate, and trio of colored glasses, it met my uncle’s and 
fell before his penetrative glance. When I gladly rose 
to leave him to his wine, — for he did not ask me to 
remain, — he also rose, and, as he held the door for me, 
he said, — 

“ You asked me to describe your cousin : you have 
seen one trait of his character to-night ; does it please 
you ? ” 


300 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


I knew he was as much vexed as I at Guy’s absence, 
so quoting his own words I answered saucily, — 

“ Yes ; for I’d rather see the hawk free than coming 
tamely at your call, uncle.” 

He frowned slightly, as if unused to such liberty of 
speech, yet bowed when I swept him a stately little 
curtsey and sailed away to the drawing-room, wonder- 
ing if my uncle was as angry with me as I was with 
my cousin. In solitary grandeur I amused myself by 
strolling through the suite of handsome rooms hence- 
forth to be my realm, looked at myself in the long 
mirrors, as every woman is apt to do when alone and 
in costume, danced over the mossy carpets, touched the 
grand piano, smelt the flowers, fingered the ornaments 
on etag&re and table, and was just giving my handker- 
chief a second drench of some refreshing perfume from 
a filigree flask that had captivated me, when the hall 
door was flung wide, a quick step went running up- 
stairs, boots tramped overhead, drawers seemed hastily 
opened and shut, and a bold, blithe voice broke out 
into a hunting song in a tone so like my uncle’s that I 
involuntarily flew to the door, crying, — 

“ Guy is come ! ” 

Fortunately for my dignity, no one heard me, and 
hurrying back I stood ready to skim into a chair and 
assume propriety at a minute’s notice, conscious, mean- 
while, of the new influence which seemed suddenly to 
gift the silent house with vitality, and add the one 
charm it needed, — that of cheerful companionship. 
“ How will he meet me ? and how shall I meet him ? ” 
I thought, looking up at the bright-faced boy, whose 
portrait looked back at me with a mirthful light in the 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


801 


painted eyes and a trace of his father’s disdainful smile 
in the curves of the firm-set lips. Presently the quick 
steps came flying down again, past the door, straight 
to the dining-room opposite, and, as I stood listening 
with a strange fluttter at my heart, I heard an imperi- 
ous young voice say rapidly, — 

“Beg pardon, sir, unavoidably detained. Has she 
come ? Is she bearable ? ” 

“ I find her so. Dinner is over, and I can offer you 
nothing but a glass of wine.” 

My uncle’s voice was frostily polite, making a curi- 
ous contrast to the other, so impetuous and frank, as if 
used to command or win all but one. 

“ Never mind the dinner ! I’m glad to be rid of it; 
so I’ll drink your health, father, and then inspect our 
new ornament.” 

“ Impertinent boy ! ” I muttered, yet at the same 
moment resolved to deserve his appellation, and imme- 
diately grouped myself as effectively as possible, laugh- 
ing at my folly as I did so. I possessed a pretty foot, 
therefore one little slipper appeared quite naturally 
below the last flounce of my dress ; a bracelet glittered 
on my arm as it emerged from among the lace and car- 
nation knots ; that arm supported my head. My pro- 
file was well cut, my eyelashes long, therefore I read 
with face half averted from the door. The light show- 
ered down, turning my hair to gold ; so I smoothed my 
curls, retied my snood, and, after a satisfied survey, 
composed myself with an absorbed aspect and a quick- 
ened pulse to await the arrival of the gentlemen. 

Soon they came. I knew they paused on the thresh- 
old, but never stirred till an irrepressible, “You are 


802 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


right, sir ! ” escaped the younger. Then I rose pre- 
pared to give him the coldest greeting, yet I did not. 
I had almost expected to meet the boyish face and 
figure of the picture; I saw, instead, a man comely and 
tall. A dark moustache half hid the proud mouth ; the 
vivacious eyes were far kinder, though quite as keen as 
his father’s, and the freshness of unspoiled youth lent a 
charm which the older man had lost for ever. Guy’s 
glance of pleased surprise was flatteringly frank, his 
smile so cordial, his “Welcome, cousin!” such a hearty 
sound, that my coldness melted in a breath, my dignity 
was all forgotten, and before I could restrain myself 
I had offered both hands with the impulsive exclama- 
tion, — 

“ Cousin Guy, I know I shall be very happy here ! 
Are you glad I have come ? ” 

“ Glad as I am to see the sun after a November 
fog.” 

And, bending his tall head, he kissed my hand in the 
graceful foreign fashion he had learned abroad. It 
pleased me mightily, for it was both affectionate and 
respectful. Involuntarily I contrasted it with my 
uncle’s manner, and flashed a significant glance at him 
as I did so. He understood it, but only nodded with 
the satirical look I hated, shook out his paper and 
began to read. I sat down again, careless of myself 
now ; and Guy stood on the rug, surveying me with an 
expression of surprise that rather nettled my pride. 

“ He is only a boy, after all ; so I need not be daunted 
by his inches or his airs. I wonder if he knows I am 
to be his wife, and likes it.” 

The thought sent the color to my forehead, my eyes 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


303 


fell, and despite my valiant resolution, I sat like any 
bashful child before my handsome cousin Guy laughed 
a boyish laugh as he sat down on his father’s footstool, 
saying, while he warmed his slender brown hands, — 

“I beg your pardon, Sybil. (We won’t be formal, 
will w r e?) But I haven’t seen a lady for a month, so I 
stare like a boor at sight of a silk gown and high-bred 
face. Are those people coming, sir ? ” 

“ If Sybil likes, ask her.” 

“ Shall we have a flock of people here to make it gay 
for you, cousin, or do you prefer our quiet style better ; 
just riding, driving, lounging, and enjoying life, each 
in his own way ? Henceforth it is to be as you com- 
mand in such matters.” 

“Let things go on as they have done, then. I don’t 
care for society, and strangers wouldn’t make it gay to 
me, for I like freedom ; so do you, I think.” 

“ Ah, don’t I ! ” 

A cloud flitted over his smiling face, and he punched 
the fire, as if some vent were necessary for the sudden 
gust of petulance that knit his black brows into a 
frown, and caused his father to tap him on the shoul- 
der with the bland request, as he rose to leave the 
room, — 

“ Bring the portfolios and entertain your cousin; I 
have letters to write, and Sybil is too tired to care for 
music to-night.” 

Guy obeyed with a shrug of the shoulder his father 
touched, but lingered in the recess till my uncle, hav- 
ing made his apologies to me, had left the room ; then 
my cousin rejoined me, wearing the same cordial 
aspect I first beheld. Some restraint was evidently 


304 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


removed, and his natural self appeared. A very win- 
some self it was, courteous, gay, and frank, with an 
undertone of deeper feeling than I thought to find. I 
watched him covertly, and soon owned to myself that 
he was all I most admired in the ideal hero every girl 
creates in her romantic fancy ; for I no longer looked 
upon this young man as my cousin, but my lover, and 
through all our future intercourse this thought was 
always uppermost, full of a charm that never lost its 
power. 

Before the evening ended Guy was kneeling on the 
rug beside me, our two heads close together, while ho 
turned the contents of the great portfolio spread before 
us, looking each other freely in the face, as I listened 
and he described, both breaking into frequent peals of 
laughter at some odd adventure or comical mishap in 
his own travels, suggested by the pictured scenes before 
us. Guy was very charming, I my blithest, sweetest 
self, and when we parted late, my cousin watched me 
up the stairs with still another, “ Good-night, Sybil,” 
as if both sight and sound were pleasant to him. 

“ Is that your horse Sultan ? ” I called from my 
window next morning, as I looked down upon my 
cousin, who was coming up the drive from an early 
gallop on the moors. 

“Yes, bonny Sybil ; come and admire him,” he called 
back, hat in hand, and a quick smile rippling over his 
face. 

I went, and, standing on the terrace, caressed the 
handsome creature, while Guy said, glancing up at his 
father’s undrawn curtains, — 

“If your saddle had come, we would take a turn 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


305 


before ‘ my lord ’ is ready for breakfast. This autumn 
air is the wine you women need.” 

I yearned to go, and when I willed the way soon 
appeared ; so careless of bonnetless head and cambric 
gown, I stretched my hands to him, saying boldly, — 

“ Play young Lochinvar, Guy ; I am little and light ; 
take me up before you and show me the sea.” 

He liked the daring feat, held out his hand, I stepped 
on his boot toe, sprang up, and away we went over the 
wide moor, where the sun shone in a cloudless heaven, 
the lark soared singing from the green grass at our feet, 
and the September wind blew freshly from the sea. 
As we paused on the upland slope, that gave us a free 
view of the country for miles, Guy dismounted, and, 
standing with his arm about the saddle to steady me in 
my precarious seat, began to talk. 

“ Do you like your new home, cousin ? ” 

“ More than I can tell you ! ” 

“ And my father, Sybil ? ” 

“ Both yes and no to that question, Guy ; I hardly 
know him yet.” 

“True, but you must not expect to find him as 
indulgent and fond as many guardians would be to 
such as you. It’s not his nature. Yet you can win 
his heart by obedience, and soon grow quite at ease 
with him.” 

“ Bless you ! I’m that already, for I fear no one. 
Why, I sat on his knee yesterday and smoked a ciga- 
rette of his own offering, though madame would have 
fainted if she had seen me ; then I slept on his arm an 
hour, and he was fatherly kind, though I teased him 
like a gnat.” 


20 


306 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK . 


“ The deuce he was ! ” with which energetic expres- 
sion Guy frowned at the landscape and harshly checked 
Sultan’s attempt to browse, while I wondered what 
was amiss between father and son, and resolved to 
discover; but, finding the conversation at an end, 
started it afresh, by asking, — 

“ Is any of my property in this part of the country, 
Guy? Do you know I am as ignorant as a baby about 
my own affairs ; for, as long as every whim was grati- 
fied and my purse full, I left the rest to madame and 
uncle, though the first hadn’t a bit of judgment, and 
the last I scarcely knew. I never cared to ask ques- 
tions before, but now I am intensely curious to know 
how matters stand.” 

“ All you see is yours, Sybil,” was the brief answer. 

“ What, that great house, the lovely gardens, these 
moors, and the forest stretching to the sea? I’m 
glad ! I’m glad ! But where, then, is your home, 
Guy ? ” 

“ Nowhere.” 

At this I looked so amazed, that his gloom van- 
ished in a laugh, as he explained, but briefly, as if this 
subject were no pleasanter than the first, — 

“ By your father’s will you were desired to take pos- 
session of the old place at eighteen. You will be that 
soon ; therefore, as your guardian, my father has pre- 
pared things for you, and is to share your home until 
you marry.” 

“ When will that be, I wonder ? ” and I stole a 
glance from under my lashes, wild to discover if Guy 
knew of the compact and was a willing party to it. 
His face was half averted, but over his dark cheek I 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK . 


307 


saw a deep flush rise, as he answered, stooping to pull 
a bit of heather, — 

“ Soon, I hope, or the gentleman sleeping there below 
will be tempted to remain a fixture with you on his 
knee as ‘ madame my wife.’ He is not your own uncle, 
you know.” 

I smiled at the idea, but Guy did not see it ; and 
seized with a whim to try my skill with the hawk 
that seemed inclined to peck at its master, I said de- 
murely, — 

“Well, why not? I might be very happy if I 
learned to love him, as I should, if he were always in 
that kindest mood of his. Would you like me for a 
little mamma, Guy?” 

“ No ! ” short and sharp as a pistol shot. 

“ Then you must marry and have a home of your 
own, my son.” 

“ Don’t, Sybil ! I’d rather you didn’t see me in a 
rage, for I’m not a pleasant sight, I assure you ; and 
I’m afraid I shall be in one if you go on. I early lost 
my mother, but I love her tenderly, because my father 
is not much to me, and I know if she had lived I should 
not be what I am.” 

Hitter was his voice, moody his mien, and all the 
sunshine gone at once. I looked down and touched 
his black hair with a shy caress, feeling both penitent 
and pitiful. 

“Dear Guy, forgive me if I pained you. I’m a 
thoughtless creature, but I’m not malicious, and a 
word will restrain me if kindly spoken. My home is 
always yours, and when my fortune is mine you shall 
never want, if you are not too proud to accept help 


808 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK . 


from your own kin. You are a little proud, aren’t 
you ? ” 

“ As Lucifer, to most people. I think I should not 
be to you, for you understand me, Sybil, and with you 
I hope to grow a better man.” 

He turned then, and through the lineaments his 
father had bequeathed him I saw a look that must 
have been his mother’s, for it was womanly, sweet, and 
soft, and lent new beauty to the dark eyes, always kind, 
and just then very tender. He had checked his words 
suddenly, like one who has gone too far, and with that 
hasty look into my face had bent his own upon the 
ground, as if to hide the unwonted feeling that had 
mastered him. It lasted but a moment, then his old 
manner returned, as he said gayly, — 

“There drops your slipper. I’ve been wondering 
what kept it on. Pretty thing! They say it is a foot 
like this that oftenest tramples on men’s hearts. Are 
you cruel to your lovers, Sybil ? ” 

“ I never had one, for madame guarded me like a 
dragon, and I led the life of a nun ; but when I do find 
one I shall trv his mettle well before I give up mv 
liberty.” 

“ Poets say it is sweet to give up liberty for love, 
and they ought to know,” answered Guy, with a side- 
long glance. 

I liked that little speech, and recollecting the wist- 
ful look he had given me, the significant words that 
had escaped him, and the variations of tone and man- 
ner constantly succeeding one another, I felt assured 
that my cousin was cognizant of the family league, and 
accepted it, yet, with the shyness of a young lover, 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


809 


knew not how to woo. This pleased me, and, quite 
satisfied with my morning’s work, I mentally resolved 
to charm my cousin slowly, and enjoy the romance of a 
genuine wooing, without which no woman’s life seems 
complete, — in her own eyes, at least. He had gath- 
ered me a knot of purple heather, and as he gave it I 
smiled my sweetest on him, saying, — 

“ I commission you to supply me with nosegays, for 
you have taste, and I love wild-flowers. I shall wear 
this at dinner in honor of its giver. Now take me 
home ; for my moors, though beautiful, are chilly, and 
I have no wrapper but this microscopic handkerchief.” 

Off* went his riding-jacket, and I was half smothered 
in it. The hat followed next, and as he sprung up 
behind I took the reins, and felt a thrill of delight in 
sweeping down the slope with that mettlesome creature 
tugging at the bit, that strong arm round me, and the 
happy hope that the heart I leaned on might yet learn 
to love me. 

The da) so began passed pleasantly, spent in roving 
over house and grounds with my cousin, setting my 
possessions in order, and writing to dear old madame. 
Twilight found me in my bravest attire, with Guy’s 
heather in my hair, listening for his step, and longing 
to run and meet him when he came. Punctual to the 
instant he appeared, and this dinner was a far different 
one from that of yesterday, for both father and son 
seemed in their gayest and most gallant mood, and I 
enjoyed the hour heartily. The world seemed all in 
tune now, and when I went to the drawing-room I 
was moved to play my most stirring marches, sing my 
blithest songs, hoping to bring one at least of the gen* 


810 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


tlemen to join me. It brought both, and my first 
glance showed me a curious change in each. My 
uncle looked harassed and yet amused, Guy looked 
sullen and eyed his father with covert glances. 

The morning’s chat flashed into my mind, and I 
asked myself, “ Is Guy jealous so soon ? ” It looked a 
little like it, for he threw himself upon a couch and lay 
there silent and morose ; while my uncle paced to and 
fro, thinking deeply, while apparently listening to the 
song he bade me finish. I did so, then followed the 
whim that now possessed me, for I wanted to try my 
power over them both, to see if I could restore that 
gentler mood of my uncle’s, and assure myself that Guy 
cared whether I was friendliest with him or not. 

“Uncle, come and sing with me; I like that voice 
of yours.” 

“ Tut, I am too old for that ; take this indolent lad 
instead, his voice is fresh and young, and will chord 
well with yours.” 

“Do you know that pretty chanson about ‘Love and 
Wine, and the Seine to-morrow,’ cousin Guy ? ” I asked, 
stealing a sly glance at my uncle. 

“ Who taught you that ? ” and Guy eyed me over 
the top of the couch with an astonished expression 
which greatly amused me. 

“ No one ; uncle sang a bit of it in the carriage yes- 
terday. I like the air, so come and teach me the 
rest.” 

“ It is no song for you, Sybil. You choose strange 
entertainment for a lady, sir.” 

A look of unmistakable contempt was in the son’s 
eye, of momentary annoyance in the father’s, yet his 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


311 


voice betrayed none as he answered, still pacing plac- 
idly along the room, — 

“ I thought she was asleep, and unconsciously began 
it to beguile a silent drive. Sing on, Sybil ; that Bac- 
chanalian snatch will do you no harm.” 

But I was tired of music now they had come, so I 
went to him, and, passing my arm through his, walked 
beside him, saying with my most persuasive aspect, — 

“ Tell me about Paris, uncle ; I intend to go there 
as soon as I’m of age, if you will let me. Does your 
guardianship extend beyond that time?” 

“ Only till you marry.” 

“ I shall be in no haste, then, for I begin to feel quite 
homelike and happy here with you, and shall be con- 
tent without other society ; only you’ll soon tire of me, 
and leave me to some dismal governess, while you and 
Guy go pleasuring.” 

“ No fear of that, Sybil ; I shall hold you fast till 
some younger guardian comes to rob me of my merry 
ward.” 

As he spoke, he took the hand that lay upon his arm 
into a grasp so firm, and turned on me a look so keen, 
that I involuntarily dropped my eyes lest he should 
read my secret there. Eager to turn the conversa- 
tion, I asked, pointing to a little miniature hanging 
underneath the portrait of his son, before which he had 
paused, — 

“ Was that Guy’s mother, sir ? ” 

“ No, your own.” 

I looked again, and saw a face delicate j-et spirit- 
ed, with dark eyes, a passionate mouth, and a head 
crowned with hair as plenteous and golden as my own ; 


312 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


but the whole seemed dimmed by age, the ivory was 
stained, the glass cracked, and a faded ribbon fastened 
it. My eyes filled as I looked, and a strong desire 
seized me to know what had defaced this little picture 
of the mother whom I never knew. 

“ Tell me about her, uncle ; I know so little, and 
often long for her so much. Am I like her, sir ? ” 

Why did my uncle avert his eyes as he answered, — 

“ You are a youthful image of her, Sybil.” 

“ Go on please, tell me more ; tell me why this is so 
stained and worn ; you know all, and surely I am old 
enough now to hear any history of pain and loss.” 

Something caused my uncle to knit his brows, but 
his bland voice never varied a tone as he placed the 
picture in my hand and gave me this brief explana- 
tion : — 

“ J ust before your birth your father was obliged to 
cross the Channel, to receive the last wishes of a dying 
friend; there was an accident; the vessel foundered, 
and many lives were lost. He escaped, but by some 
mistake his name appeared in the list of missing pas- 
sengers ; your mother saw it, the shock destroyed her, 
and when your father returned he found only a motherless 
little daughter to welcome him. This miniature, which 
he’ always carried with him, was saved with his papers 
at the last moment ; but though the sea-water ruined it 
he would never have it copied or retouched, and gave 
it to me when he died in memory of the woman I had 
loved for his sake. It is yours now, my child ; keep it, 
and never feel that you are fatherless or motherless 
while I remain.” 

Kind as was both act and speech, neither touched me. 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


313 


for something seemed wanting. I felt, yet could not 
define it, for then I believed in the sincerity of all I 
met. 

“ Where was she buried, uncle ? It may be foolish, 
but I should like to see my mother’s grave.” 

“ You shall some day, Sybil,” and a curious change 
came over my uncle’s face as he averted it. 

“ I have made him melancholy, talking of Guy’s 
mother and my own ; now I’ll make him gay again if 
possible, and pique that negligent boy,” I thought, and 
drew my uncle to a lounging-chair, established myself 
on the arm thereof, and kept him laughing with my 
merriest gossip, both of us apparently unconscious of 
the long dark figure stretched just opposite, feigning 
sleep, but watching us through half-closed lids, and 
never stirring except to bow silently to my careless 
“ Good-night.” 

As I reached the stairhead, I remembered that my 
letter to madame, full of the frankest criticisms upon 
people and things, was lying unsealed on the table in 
the little room my uncle had set apart for my boudoir; 
fearing servants’ eyes and tongues, I slipped down 
again to get it. The room adjoined the parlors, and 
just then was lit only by a ray from the hall lamp. I 
had secured the letter, and was turning to retreat, when 
I heard Guy say petulantly, as if thwarted yet submis- 
sive, — 

“ I am civil when you leave me alone ; I do agree to 
marry her, but I won’t be hurried or go a-wooing except 
in my own way. Y ou know I never liked the bargain, for 
it’s nothing else ; yet I can reconcile myself to being sold, 
if it relieves you and gives us both a home. But, father, 


314 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


mind this, if you tie me to that girl’s sash too tightly 
I shall break away entirely, and then where are 
we?” 

“ I should be in prison and you a houseless vagabond. 
Trust me, my boy, and take the good fortune which I 
secured for you in your cradle. Look in pretty Sybil’s 
face, and resignation will grow easy ; but remember 
time presses, that this is our forlorn hope, and for God’s 
sake be cautious, for she is a headstrong creature, and 
may refuse to fulfil her part if she learns that the con- 
tract is not binding against her will.” 

“ I think she’ll not refuse, sir ; she likes me already. 
I see it in her eyes ; she has never had a lover, she says, 
and according to your account a girl’s first sweetheart 
is apt to fare the best. Besides, she likes the place, for 
I told her it was hers, as you bade me, and she said 
she could be very happy here, if my father was always 
kind.” 

“ She said that, did she ? little hypocrite ! For your 
father, read yourself, and tell me what else she babbled 
about in that early t&te-a-tdte of yours.” 

“ You are as curious as a woman, sir, and always make 
me tell you all I do and say, yet never tell me any thing 
in return, except this business, which I hate, because 
my liberty is the price, and my poor little cousin is kept 
in the dark. I’ll tell her all, before I marry her, father.” 

“ As you please, hot-head. I am waiting for an ac- 
count of the first love passage, so leave blushing to 
Sybil and begin.” 

I knew what was coming and stayed no longer, but 
caught one glimpse of the pair, Guy in his favorite 
place, erect upon the rug, hall-laughing, half-frown- 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


315 


ing as he delayed to speak, my uncle serenely smoking 
on the couch; then I sped away to my own room, 
thinking, as I sat down in a towering passion, — 

“ So he does know of the baby betrothal and hates it, 
yet submits to please his father, who covets my for- 
tune, — mercenary creatures ! I can annul the contract, 
can I ? I’m glad to know that, for it makes me mis- 
tress of them both. I like you already, do I ? and you 
see it in my eyes. Coxcomb ! I’ll be the thornier for 
that. Yet I do like him ; I do wish he cared for me, 
I’m so lonely in the world, and he can be so kind.” 

So I cried a little, brushed my hair a good deal, and 
went to bed, resolving to learn all I could when, where, 
and how I pleased, to render myself as charming and 
valuable as possible, to make Guy love me in spite of 
himself and then say yes or no, as my heart prompted 
me. 

That day was a sample of those that followed, for 
my cousin was by turns attracted or repelled by the 
capricious moods that ruled me. Though conscious of 
a secret distrust of my uncle, I could not resist the 
fascination of his manner when he chose to exert its 
influence over me ; this made my little plot easier of 
execution, for jealousy seemed the most effectual means 
1o bring my wayward cousin to subjection. Full of 
this fancy, I seemed to tire of his society, grew thorny 
aa a briar rose to him, affectionate as a daughter to my 
uncle, who surveyed us both with that inscrutable glance 
of his, and slowly yielded to my dominion as if he had 
divined my purpose and desired to aid it. Guy turned 
cold and gloomy, yet still lingered near me as if ready 
for a relenting look or word. I liked that, and took a 


816 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


wanton pleasure in prolonging the humiliation of the 
warm heart I had learned to love, yet not to value as 1 
ought, until it was too late. 

One dull November evening as I went wandering up 
and down the hall, pretending to enjoy the flowers, yet 
in reality waiting for Guy, who had left me alone all day, 
my uncle came from his room, where he had sat for 
many hours with the harassed and anxious look he 
always wore when certain foreign letters came. 

“ Sybil, I have something to show and tell you,” he 
said, as I garnished his button-hole with a spray of 
heliotrope, meant for the laggard, who would under- 
stand its significance, I hoped. Leading me to the 
drawing-room, my uncle put a paper into my hands, 
with the request, — 

“ This is a copy of your father’s will ; oblige me by 
reading it.” 

He stood watching my face as I read, no doubt won- 
dering at my composure while I waded through the 
dry details of the will, curbing my impatience to reach 
the one important passage. There it was, but no word 
concerning my power to dissolve the engagements I 
pleased ; and, as I realized the fact, a sudden bewilder- 
ment and sense of helplessness came over me, for the 
strange law terms seemed to make inexorable the pater- 
nal decree which I had not seen before. I forgot my 
studied calmness, and asked several questions eagerly. 

“Uncle, did my father really command that I should 
marry Guy, whether we loved each other or not ? ” 

“You see what he there set down as his desire ; and 
I have taken measures that you should love one an- 
other, knowing that few cousins, young, comely, and 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


317 


congenial, could live three months together without 
finding themselves ready to mate for their own sakes, 
if not for the sake of the dead and living fathers to 
whom they owe obedience.” 

“ You said I need not, if I didn’t choose ; why is it 
not here ? ” 

“I said that? Never, Sybil!” and I met a look of 
such entire surprise and incredulity it staggered my 
belief in my own senses, yet also roused my spirit, and, 
careless of consequences, I spoke out at once, — 

“ I heard you say it myself the night after I came, 
when you told Guy to be cautious, because I could re- 
fuse to fulfil the engagement, if I knew that it was not 
binding against my will.” 

This discovery evidently destroyed some plan, and 
for a moment threw him off his guard ; for, crumpling 
the paper in his hand, he sternly demanded, — 

“ You turned eavesdropper early ; how often since ? ” 

“Never, uncle; I did not mean it then, but, going 
for a letter in the dark, I heard your voices, and lis- 
tened for an instant. It was dishonorable, but irre- 
sistible ; and, if you force Guy’s confidence, why should 
not I steal yours ? All is fair in war, sir, and I forgive 
as I hope to be forgiven.” 

“You have a quick wit and a reticence I did not 
expect to find under that frank manner. So you have 
known your future destiny all these months, then, and 
have a purpose in your treatment of your cousin and 
myself? ” 

“ Yes, uncle.” 

“ May I ask what ? ” 

I was ashamed to tell ; and, in the little pause before 


818 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


my answer came, my pique at Guy’s desertion was aug- 
mented by anger at my uncle’s denial of his own words 
the ungenerous hopes he cherished, and a strong desire 
to perplex and thwart him took possession of me, for 
I saw his anxiety concerning the success of this inter- 
view, though he endeavored to repress and conceal it. 
Assuming my coldest mien, I said, — 

“ No, sir, I think not; only I can assure you that my 
little plot has succeeded better than your own.” 

“But you intend to obey your father’s wish, I hope, 
and fulfil your part of the compact, Sybil ?” 

“Why should I? It is not binding, you know, and 
I’m too young to lose my liberty just yet; besides, such 
compacts are unjust, unwise. What right had my father 
to mate me in my cradle ? how did he know what I 
should become, or Guy? how could he tell that I should 
not love some one else better? No! I’ll not be bar- 
gained away like a piece of merchandise, but love and 
marry when I please ! ” 

At this declaration of independence my uncle’s face 
darkened ominously, some new suspicion lurked in his 
eye, some new anxiety beset him; but his manner was 
calm, his voice blander than ever as he asked, — 

“ Is there then, some one whom you love ? Confide 
in me, my girl.” 

“ And if there were, what then ? ” 

“ All would be changed at once, Sybil. But who is 
it? Some young lover left behind at madame’s?” 

- No, sir.” 

“Who, then? You have led a recluse life here. 
Guy has no friends who visit him, and mine are all old, 
)et you say you love.” 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


319 


“ With all my heart, uncle.” 

“ Is this affection returned, Sybil ? ” 

“ I think so.” 

“ And it is not Guy ? ” 

I was wicked enough to enjoy the bitter disap- 
pointment he could not conceal at my decided words, 
for I thought he deserved that momentary pang ; but 
I could not as decidedly answer that last question, 
for I would not lie, neither would I confess just yet ; 
so, with a little gesture of impatience, I silently turned 
away, lest he should see the tell-tale color in my cheeks. 
My uncle stood an instant in deep thought, a slow 
smile crepe to his lips, content returned to his mien, 
and, something like a flash of. triumph glittered for a 
moment in his eye, then vanished, leaving his counte- 
nance earnestly expectant. Much as this change sur- 
prised me, his words did more, for, taking both my 
hands in his, he gravely said, — 

“ Do you know that I am your uncle by adoption 
and not blood, Sybil ? ” 

“Yes, sir; I heard so, but forgot about it,” and I 
looked up at him, my anger quite lost in astonishment. 

“ Let me tell you, then. Your grandfather was 
childless for many years, my mother was an early 
friend, and when her death left me an orphan, he took 
me for his son and heir. But two years from that time 
your father was born. I was too young to realize the 
entire change this might make in my life. The old 
man was too just and generous to let me feel it, and 
the two lads grew up together like brothers. Both 
married young, and when you were born a few years 
later than my son, your father said to me, ‘Your boy 


320 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


shall have my girl, and the fortune I have innocently 
robbed you of shall make us happy in our children.’ 
Then the family league was made, renewed at his death, 
and now destroyed by his daughter, unless — Sybil, I 
am forty-five, you not eighteen, yet you once said you 
could be veiy happy with me, if I were always kind to 
you. I can promise that I will be, for I love you. My 
darling, you reject the son, will you accept the father?” 

If he had struck me, it would scarcely have dismayed 
me more. I started up, and snatching away my hands 
hid my face in them, for after the first tingle of surprise 
an almost irresistible desire to laugh came over me, but 
I dared not, and gravely, gently he went on, — 

“ I am a bold man to say this, yet I mean it most 
sincerely. I never meant to betray the affection I be- 
lieved you never could return, and would only laugh at 
as a weakness; but your past acts, your present words, 
give me courage to confess that I desire to keep my 
ward mine for ever. Shall it be so?” 

He evidently mistook my surprise for maidenly emo- 
tion, and the suddenness of this unforeseen catastrophe 
seemed to deprive me of words. All thought of merri- 
ment or ridicule was forgotten in a sense of guilt, for if 
he feigned the love he offered it was well done, and I 
believed it then. I saw at once the natural impression 
conveyed by my conduct ; my half confession and the 
folly of it all oppressed me with a regret and shame I 
could not master. My mind was in dire confusion, yet 
a decided “No” was rapidly emerging from the chaos, 
but was not uttered ; for just at this crisis, as I stood 
with my uncle’s arm about me, my hand again in his, 
and his head bent down to catch my answer, Guy 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


321 


swung himself gayly into the room. A glance seemed 
to explain all, and in an instant his face assumed that 
expression of pale wrath so much more terrible to wit- 
ness than the fiercest outbreak; his eye grew fiery, his 
voice bitterly sarcastic, as he said, — 

“ Ah, I see ; the play goes on, but the actors change 
parts. I congratulate you, sir, on your success, and 
Sybil on her choice. Henceforth I am de trop, but 
before I go allow me to offer my wedding gift. You 
have taken the bride, let me supply the ring.” 

He threw a jewel-box upon the table, adding, in that 
unnaturally calm tone that made my heart stand still: 

“ A little candor would have spared me much pain, 
Sybil ; yet I hope you will enjoy your bonds as heartily 
as I shall my escape from them. A little confidence 
would have made me your ally, not your rival, father. 
I have not your address ; therefore I lose, you win. 
Let it be so. I had rather be the vagabond this makes 
me than sell myself, that you may gamble away that 
girl’s fortune as you have your own and mine. You 
need not ask me to the wedding, I will not come. Oh, 
Sybil, I so loved, so trusted you ! ” 

And with that broken exclamation he was gone. 

The stormy scene had passed so rapidly, been so 
strange and sudden, Guy’s anger so scornful and ab- 
rupt, I could not understand it, and felt like a puppet 
in the grasp of some power I could not resist ; but as 
my lover left the room I broke out of the bewilder- 
ment that held me, imploring him to stay and hear 
me. 

It was too late, he was gone, and Sultan’s tramp was 
already tearing down the avenue. I listened till the 
21 


322 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


sound died, then my hot temper rose past control, and 
womanlike asserted itself in vehement and voluble 
speech : I was angry with my uncle, my cousin, and 
n^self, and for several minutes poured forth a torrent 
of explanations, reproaches, and regrets, such as only 
a passionate girl could utter. 

My uncle stood where I had left him when I flew to 
the door with my vain cry ; he now looked baffled, yet 
sternly resolved, and as I paused for breath his only 
answer was, — 

“ Sybil, you ask me to bring back that headstrong 
boy; I cannot; he will never come. This marriage 
was distasteful to him, yet he submitted for my sake, 
because I have been unfortunate, and we are poor. 
Let him go, forget the past, and be to me what I de- 
sire, for I loved your father and will be a faithful guar- 
dian to his daughter all my life. Child, it must be, — 
come, I implore, I command you.” 

He beckoned imperiously as if to awe me, and held 
up the glittering betrothal ring as if to tempt me. The 
tone, the act, the look put me quite beside myself. I 
did go to him, did take the ring, but said as resolutely 
as himself, — 

“Guy rejects me, and I have done with love. Uncle, 
you would have deceived me, used me as a means to 
your own selfish ends. I will accept neither yourself 
nor your gifts, for now I despise both you and your 
commands;” and, as the most energetic emphasis I 
could give to my defiance, I flung the ring, case and 
all, across the room ; it struck the great mirror, shiv- 
ered it just in the middle, and sent several loosened 
fragments crashing to the floor. 


A WHISPER IN THE BARK . 


323 


“ Great heavens ! is the young lady mad ? ” exclaimed 
a voice behind us. Both turned and saw Dr. Karnac, 
a stealthy, sallow-faced Spaniard, for whom I had an 
invincible aversion. He was my uncle’s physician, 
had been visiting a sick servant in the upper regions, 
and my adverse fate sent him to the door just at that 
moment with that unfortunate exclamation on his 
lips. 

“ What do you say ? ” 

My uncle wheeled about and eyed the new-comer 
intently as he repeated his words. I have no doubt 
I looked like one demented, for I was desperately angry, 
pale and trembling with excitement, and as they fronted 
me with a curious expression of alarm on their faces, 
a sudden sense of the absurdity of the spectacle came 
over me ; I laughed hysterically a moment, then broke 
into a passion of regretful tears, remembering that Guy 
was gone. As I sobbed behind my hands, I knew the 
gentlemen were whispering together and of me, but I 
never heeded them, for as T wept myself calmer a com- 
forting thought occurred to me ; Guy could not have 
gone far, for Sultan had been out all day, and though 
reckless of himself he was not of his horse, which he 
loved like a human being ; therefore he was doubtless 
at the house of an humble friend near by. If I could 
slip away unseen, I might undo my miserable work, or 
at least see him again before he went away into the 
world, perhaps never to return. This hope gave me 
courage for any thing, and dashing away my tears I 
took a covert survey. Dr. Karnac and my uncle still 
stood before the fire, deep in their low-tcmed conver- 
sation ; their backs were toward me, and, hushing the 


324 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


rustle of iny dress, I stole away with noiseless steps 
into the hall, seized Guy’s plaid, and, opening the great 
door unseen, darted down the avenue. 

Not far, however ; the wind buffeted me to and fro, 
the rain blinded me, the mud clogged my feet and soon 
robbed me of a slipper ; groping for it in despair, I saw 
a light flash into the outer darkness ; heard voices call- 
ing, and soon the swift tramp of steps behind me. 
Feeling like a hunted doe, I ran on, but before I had 
gained a dozen yards my shoeless foot struck a sharp 
stone, and I fell half-stunned upon the wet grass of the 
wayside bank. Dr. Karnac reached me first, took me 
up as if I were a naughty child, and carried me back 
through a group of staring servants to the drawing- 
room, my uncle following with breathless entreaties 
that I would be calm, and a most uncharacteristic dis- 
play of bustle. 

I was horribly ashamed ; my head ached with the 
shock of the fall, my foot bled, my heart fluttered, and 
when the doctor put me down the crisis came, for as 
my uncle bent over me with the strange question, “ My 
poor girl, do you know me?” an irresistible impulse 
impelled me to push him from me, crying passion- 
ately, — 

“Yes, I know and hate you; let me go! let me go, 
or it will be too late ! ” then, quite spent with the vary- 
ing emotions of the last hour, for the first time in my 
life I swooned away. 

Coming to myself, I found I was in my own room, 
with my uncle, the doctor, Janet, and Mrs. Best, the 
housekeeper, gathered about me, the latter saying, as 
she bathed my temples, — 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


325 


“ She’s a sad sight, poor thing, so young, so bonny, 
and so unfortunate. Did you ever see her so before, 
Janet ? ” 

4 - Bless you, no, ma’am ; there was no signs of such 
a tantrum when I dressed her for dinner.” 

“ What do they mean ? did they never see any 
one angry before ? ” I dimly wondered, and presently, 
through the fast disappearing stupor that had held me, 
Dr. Karnac’s deep voice came distinctly, saying, — 

“ If it continues, you are perfectly justified in doing 
so.” 

“ Doing what ? ” I demanded sharply, for the sound 
both roused and irritated me, I disliked the man so 
intensely. 

“Nothing, my dear, nothing,” purred Mrs. Best, sup- 
porting me as I sat up, feeling weak and dazed, yet 
resolved to know what was going on. I was “ a sad 
sight ” indeed ; my drenched hair hung about my shoul- 
ders, my dress was streaked with mud, one shoeless 
foot was red with blood, the other splashed and stained, 
and a white, wild-eyed face completed the ruinous im- 
age the opposite mirror showed me. Every thing 
looked blurred and strange, and a feverish unrest pos- 
sessed me, for I was not one to subside easily after such 
a mental storm. Leaning on my arm, I scanned the 
room and its occupants with all the composure I could 
collect. The two women eyed me curiously yet piti- 
fully ; Dr. Karnac stood glancing at me furtively as he 
listened to my uncle, who spoke rapidly in Spanish as 
he showed the little scar upon his hand. That sight 
did more to restore me than the cordial just adminis- 
tered, and I rose erect, saying abruptly, — 


326 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK . 


“Please, everybody, go away; my head aches, and I 
want to be alone.” 

“Let Janet stay and help you, dear; you are 
not fit,” began Mrs. Best ; but I peremptorily stopped 
her. 

“No, go yourself, and take her with you ; I’m tired 
of so much stir about such foolish things as a broken 
glass and a girl in a pet.” 

“You will be good enough to take this quieting 
draught before I go, Miss Sybil.” 

“ I shall do nothing of the sort, for I need only soli- 
tude and sleep to be perfectly well,” and I emptied the 
glass the doctor offered into the fire. He shrugged his 
shoulders with a disagreeable smile, and quietly began 
to prepare another draught, saying, — 

“You are mistaken, my dear young lady ; you need 
much care, and should obey, that your uncle may be 
spared further apprehension and anxiety.” 

My patience gave out at this assumption of authority ; 
and I determined to carry matters with a high hand, 
for they all stood watching me in a way which seemed 
the height of impertinent curiosity. 

“ He is not my uncle ! never has been, and deserves 
neither respect nor obedience from me ! I am the best 
judge of my own health, and you are not bettering it 
by contradiction and unnecessary fuss. This is my 
house, and you will oblige me by leaving it, Dr. Kar- 
nac ; this is my room, and I insist on being left in peace 
immediately.” 

I pointed to the door as I spoke ; the women hurried 
out with scared faces ; the doctor bowed and followed, 
but paused on the threshold, while my uncle approached 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 827 

me, asking in a tone inaudible to those still hovering 
round the door, — 

“ Do you still persist in your refusal, Sybil ? ” 

“ How dare you ask me that again ? I tell you I had 
rather die than marry you ! ” 

“The Lord be merciful to us! just hear how she’s 
going on now about marrying master. Ain’t it awful, 
Jane? 5 ’ ejaculated Mrs. Best, bobbing her head in for 
a last look. 

“Hold your tongue, you impertinent creature!” I 
called out ; and the fat old soul bundled away in such 
comical haste I laughed, in spite of languor and vex- 
ation. 

My uncle left me, and I heard him say as he passed 
the doctor, — 

“You see how it is.” 

“ Nothing uncommon ; but that virulence is a bad 
symptom,” answered the Spaniard, and closing the door 
locked it, having dexterously removed the key from 
within. 

I had never been subjected to restraint of any kind; 
it made me reckless at once, for this last indignity was 
not to be endured. 

“Open this instantly!” I commanded, shaking the 
door. No one answered, and after a few ineffectual 
attempts to break the lock I left it, threw up the win- 
dow and looked out ; the ground was too far off for a 
leap, but the trellis where summer-vines had clung was 
strong and high, a step would place me on it, a mo- 
ment’s agility bring me to the terrace below. I was 
now in just the state to attempt any rash exploit, for 
the cordial had both strengthened and excited me ; my 


828 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


foot was bandaged, my clothes still wet ; I could suffer 
no new damage, and have my own way at small cost. 
Out I crept, climbed safely down, and made my way to 
the lodge as I had at first intended. But Guy was not 
there ; and, returning, I boldly went in at the great door, 
straight to the room where my uncle and the doctor 
were still talking. 

“ I wish the key of my room,” was my brief com- 
mand. Both started as if I had been a ghost, and my 
uncle exclaimed, — 

“ You here ! how in Heaven’s name came you out?” 

“ By the window. I am no child to be confined for 
a fit of anger. I will not submit to it ; to-morrow I 
shall go to madame ; till then I will be mistress in my 
own house. Give me the key, sir.” 

“ Shall I ? ” asked the doctor of my uncle, who nod- 
ded with a whispered, — 

“Yes, yes ; don’t excite her again.” 

It was restored, and without another word I went 
loftily up to my room, locked myself in, and spent a 
restless, miserable night. When morning came, I break- 
fasted above stairs, and then busied myself packing 
trunks, burning papers, and collecting every trifle Guy 
had ever given me. No one annoyed me, and I saw 
only Janet, who had evidently received some order that 
kept her silent and respectful, though her face still 
betrayed the same curiosity and pitiful interest as the 
night before. Lunch was brought up, but I could not 
eat, and began to feel that the exposure, the fall, and 
excitement of the evening had left me weak and ner- 
vous, so I gave up the idea of going to madame till the 
morrow ; and, as the afternoon waned, tried to sleep, yet 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


829 


could not, for I had sent a note to several of Guy’s 
haunts, imploring him to see me ; but my messenger 
brought word that he was not to be found, and my 
heart was too heavy to rest. 

When summoned to dinner, I still refused to go down ; 
for I heard Dr. Karnac’s voice, and would not meet 
him, so I sent word that I wished the carriage early 
the following morning, and to be left alone till then. 
In a few minutes, back came Janet, with a glass of wine 
set forth on a silver salver, and a card with these words, — 
“Forgive, forget, for your father’s sake, and drink 
with me, ‘ Oblivion to the past.’ ” 

It touched and softened me. I knew my uncle’s 
pride, and saw in this an entire relinquishment of the 
hopes I had so thoughtlessly fostered in his mind. I 
was passionate, but not vindictive. He had been kind, 
I very wilful. His mistake was natural, my resentment 
ungenerous. Though my resolution to go remained 
unchanged, I was sorry for my part in the affair ; and 
remembering that through me his son was lost to him, 
I accepted his apology, drank his toast, and sent him 
back a dutiful “ Good-night.” 

I was unused to wine. The draught I had taken was 
powerful with age, and, though warm and racy to the 
palate, proved too potent for me. Still sitting before 
my fire, I slowly fell into a restless drowse, haunted by 
a dim dream that I was seeking Guy in a ship, whose 
motion gradually lulled me into perfect unconscious- 
ness. 

Waking at length, I was surprised to find myself in 
bed, with the shimmer of daylight peeping through the 
curtains. Recollecting that I was to leave early* I 


330 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


sprang up, took one step and remained transfixed with 
dismay, for the room was not my own! Utterly un- 
familiar was every object on which my eyes fell. The 
place was small, plainly furnished, and close, as if long 
unused. My trunks stood against the wall, my clothes 
lay on a chair, and on the bed I had left trailed a fur- 
lined cloak I had often seen on my uncle’s shoulders. 
A moment I stared about me bewildered, then hurried 
to the window, — it was grated ! 

A lawn, sere and sodden, lay without, and a line of 
sombre firs hid the landscape beyond the high wall 
which encompassed the dreary plot. More and more 
alarmed, I flew to the door and found it locked. No 
bell was visible, no sound audible, no human presence 
near me, and an ominous foreboding thrilled cold 
through nerves and blood, as, for the first time, I felt 
the paralyzing touch of fear. Not long, however. My 
native courage soon returned, indignation took the 
place of terror, and excitement gave me strength. My 
temples throbbed with a dull pain, my eyes were heavy, 
my limbs weighed down by an unwonted lassitude, and 
my memory seemed strangely confused ; but one thing 
was clear to me, I must see somebody, ask questions, 
demand explanations, and get away to madame with- 
out delay. 

With trembling hands I dressed, stopping suddenly, 
with a cry ; for, lifting my hands to my head, I dis- 
covered that my hair, my beautiful, abundant hair, was 
gone ! There was no mirror in the room, but I could 
feel that it had been shorn away close about face and 
neck. This outrage was more than I could bear, and 
the first tears I shed fell for my lost charm. It was 


A WHISPER IN THE HARK. 


331 


weak, perhaps, but I felt better for it, clearer in mind 
and readier to confront whatever lay before me. I 
knocked and called. Then, losing patience, shook and 
screamed ; but no one came or answered me, and, wearied 
out at last, I sat down and cried again in impotent 
despair. 

An hour passed, then a step approached, the key 
turned, and a hard-faced woman entered with a tray 
in her hand. I had resolved to be patient, if possible, 
and controlled myself to ask quietly, though my eyes 
kindled, and my voice trembled with resentment, — 

“ Where am I, and why am I here against my will ? ” 

“ This is your breakfast, miss ; you must be sadly 
hungry,” was the only reply I got. 

“ I will never eat till you tell me what I ask.” 

“ Will you be quiet, and mind me if I do, miss?” 

“You have no right to exact obedience from me, but 
J’ll try.” 

“ That’s right. Now all I know is that you are twenty 
miles from the Moors, and came because you are ill. 
Do you like sugar in your coffee ? ” 

“ When did I come ? I don’t remember it.” 

“ Early this morning ; you don’t remember because 
you were put to sleep before being fetched, to save 
trouble.” 

“ Ah, that wine ! Who brought me here ? ” 

“Dr. Karnac, miss.” 

“Alone?” 

“Yes, miss; you were easier to manage asleep than 
awake, he said.” 

I shook with anger, yet still restrained myself, hoping 
to fathom the mystery of this nocturnal journey. 


832 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


u What is your name, please ? ” I meekly asked. 

“You can call me Hannah.” 

“Well, Hannah, there is a strange mistake somewhere. 
I am not ill — you see I am not — and I wish to go 
away at once to the friend I was to meet to-day. Get 
me a carriage and have my baggage taken out.” 

“It can’t be done, miss. We are a mile from town, 
and have no carriages here ; besides, you couldn’t go if 
I had a dozen. I have my orders, and shall obey ’em.” 

“ But Dr. Karnac has no right to bring or keep me 
here.” 

“ Your uncle sent you. The doctor has the care of 
you, and that is all I know about it. Now I have kept 
my promise, do you keep yours, miss, and eat your 
breakfast, else I can’t trust you again.” 

“ But what is the matter with me ? How can I be 
ill and not know or feel it?” I demanded, more and 
more bewildered. 

“You look it, and that’s enough for them as is wise 
in such matters. You’d have had a fever, if it hadn’t 
been seen to in time.” 

“ Who cut my hair off? ” 

“ I did ; the doctor ordered it.” 

“ How dared he ? I hate that man, and never will 
obey him.” 

“ Hush, miss, don’t clench your hands and look in 
that way, for I shall have to report every thing you say 
and do to him, and it won’t be pleasant to tell that sort 
of thing.” 

The woman was civil, but grim and cool. Her eye 
was unsympathetic, her manner business-like, her tone 
such as one uses to a refractory child, half-soothing, 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK . 


833 


half-commanding. I conceived a dislike to her at once, 
and resolved to escape at all hazards, for my uncle’s 
inexplicable movements filled me with alarm. Hannah 
had left my door open, a quick glance showed me 
another door also ajar at the end of a wide hall, a 
glimpse of green, and a gate. My plan was despe- 
rately simple, and I executed it without delay. Affect- 
ing to eat, I presently asked the woman for my hand- 
kerchief from the bed. She crossed the room to get 
it. I darted out, down the passage, along the walk, 
and tugged vigorously at the great bolt of the gate, 
but it was also locked. In despair I flew into the gar- 
den, but a high wall enclosed it on every side ; and as 
I ran round and round, vainly looking for some outlet, 
I saw Hannah, accompanied by a man as gray and 
grim as herself, coming leisurely toward me, with no 
appearance of excitement or displeasure. Back I would 
not go ; and, inspired with a sudden hope, swung my- 
self into one of the firs that grew close against the 
wall. The branches snapped under me, the slender 
tree swayed perilously, but up I struggled, till the wide 
coping of the wall was gained. There I paused and 
looked back. The woman was hurrying through the 
gate to intercept my descent on the other side, and 
close behind me the man, sternly calling me to stop. 
I looked down ; a stony ditch was below, but I would 
rather risk my life than tamely lose my liberty, and 
with a flying leap tried to reach the bank ; failed, fell 
heavily among the stones, felt an awful crash, and then 
came an utter blank. 

For many weeks I lay burning in a fever, fitfully con- 
scious of Dr. Karnac and the woman’s presence ; once 


334 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK . 


I fancied I saw my uncle, but was never sure, and rose 
at last a shadow of my former self, feeling pitifully 
broken, both mentally and physically. I was in a 
better room now, wintry winds howled without, but 
a generous fire glowed behind the high closed fender, 
and books lay on my table. 

I saw no one but Hannah, yet could wring no intelli- 
gence from her beyond what she had already told, and 
no sign of interest reached me from the outer world. 
I seemed utterly deserted and forlorn, my spirit was 
crushed, my strength gone, my freedom lost, and for a 
time I succumbed to despair, letting one day follow 
another without energy or hope. It is hard to live 
with no object to give zest to life, especially for those 
still blest with youth, and even in my prison-house I 
soon found one quite in keeping with the mystery that 
surrounded me. 

As I sat reading by day or lay awake at night, I 
became aware that the room above my own was occu- 
pied by some inmate whom I never saw. A peculiar 
person it seemed to be ; for I heard steps going to and 
fro, hour after hour, in a tireless march, that wore upon 
my nerves, as many a harsher sound would not have 
done. I could neither tease nor surprise Hannah into 
any explanation of the thing, and day after day I lis- 
tened to it, till I longed to cover up my ears and im- 
plore the unknown walker to stop, for Heaven’s sake. 
Other sounds I heard and fretted over : a low monoto- 
nous murmur, as of some one singing a lullaby; a fitful 
tapping, like a cradle rocked on a carpetless floor; and 
at rare intervals cries of suffering, sharp but brief, as if 
forcibly suppressed. These sounds, combined with the 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK . 


335 


solitude, the confinement, and the books I read, a col- 
lection of ghostly tales and weird fancies, soon wrought 
my nerves to a state of terrible irritability, and wore 
upon my health so visibly that I was allowed at last to 
leave my room. 

The house was so well guarded that I soon relin- 
quished all hope of escape, and listlessly amused myself 
by roaming through the unfurnished rooms and echoing 
halls, seldom venturing into Hannah’s domain ; for there 
her husband sat, surrounded by chemical apparatus, 
poring over crucibles and retorts. He never spoke to 
me, and I dreaded the glance of his cold eye, for it 
looked unsoftened by a ray of pity at the little figure 
that sometimes paused a moment on his threshold, 
wan and wasted as the ghost of departed hope. 

The chief interest of these dreary walks centred in 
the door of the room above my own, for a great hound 
lay before it, eying me savagely as he rejected all ad- 
vances, and uttering his deep bay if I approached too 
near. To me this room possessed an irresistible fasci- 
nation. I could not keep away from it by day, I dreamed 
of it by night, it haunted me continually, and soon 
became a sort of monomania, which I condemned, yet 
could not control, till at length I found myself pacing 
to and fro as those invisible feet paced over head. 
Hannah came and stopped me, and a few hours later 
Dr. Karnac appeared. I was so changed that I feared 
him with a deadly fear. He seemed to enjoy it; for 
in the pride of youth and beauty I had shown him 
contempt and defiance at my uncle’s, and he took an 
ungenerous satisfaction in annoying me by a display 
of power. He never answered my questions or en 


836 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK . 


treaties, regarded me as being without sense or wih, 
insisted on my trying various mixtures and experi- 
ments in diet, gave me strange books to read, and 
weekly received Hannah’s report of all that passed. 
That day he came, looked at me, said, “ Let her walk,” 
and went away, smiling that hateful smile of his. 

Soon after this I took to walking in my sleep, and 
more than once woke to find myself roving lampless 
through that haunted house in the dead of night. I 
concealed these unconscious wanderings for a time, but 
an ominous event broke them up at last, and betrayed 
them to Hannah. 

I had followed the steps one day for several hours, 
walking below as they walked above ; had peopled that 
mysterious room with every mournful shape my dis- 
ordered fancy could conjure up ; had woven tragical 
romances about it, and brooded over the one subject of 
interest my unnatural life possessed with the intensity 
of a mind upon which its uncanny influence was telling 
with perilous rapidity. At midnight I woke to find 
myself standing in a streak of moonlight, opposite the 
door whose threshold I had never crossed. The April 
night was warm, a single pane of glass high up in that 
closed door was drawn aside, as if for air ; and, as I stood 
dreamily collecting my sleep-drunken senses, I saw a 
ghostly hand emerge and beckon, as if to me. It 
startled me broad awake, with a faint exclamation and 
a shudder from head to foot. A cloud swept over the 
moon, and when it passed the hand was gone, but shrill 
through the keyhole came a whisper that chilled me 
to the marrow of my bones, so terribly distinct and 
imploring was it. 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 337 

u Find it ! for God’s sake find it before it is too 
late ! ” 

The hound sprang up with an angry growl; I heard 
Hannah leave her bed near by, and, with an inspiration 
strange as the moment, I paced slowly on with open 
eyes and lips apart, as I had seen “Amina” in the 
happy days when kind old madame took me to the 
theatre, whose mimic horrors I had never thought to 
equal vith such veritable ones. Hannah appeared at 
her door with a light, but on I went in a trance of 
fear; for I was only kept from dropping in a swoon 
by the blind longing to fly from that spectral voice and 
hand. Past Hannah I went, she following; and, as 
I slowly laid myself in bed, I heard her say to her hus- 
band, who just then came up, — 

“Sleep-walking, John; it’s getting worse and worse, 
as the doctor foretold ; she’ll settle down like the other 
presently, but she must be locked up at night, else the 
dog will do her a mischief.” 

The man yawned and grumbled ; then they went, 
leaving me to spend hours of unspeakable suffering, 
which aged me more than years. What was I to find ? 
where was I to look? and when would it be too late? 
These questions tormented me; for I could find no 
answers to them, divine no meaning, see no course to 
pursue. Why was I here ? what motive induced my 
uncle to commit such an act? and when should I be 
liberated ? were equally unanswerable, equally torment- 
ing, and they haunted me like ghosts. I had no power 
to exorcise or forget. After that I walked no more, 
because I slept no more; sleep seemed scared away, 
and waking dreams harassed me with their terrors. 


22 


338 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


Night after night I paced my room in utter darkness, 
— for I was allowed no lamp, — night after night I 
wept bitter tears wrung from me by anguish, for which 
I had no name ; and night after night the steps kept 
time to mine, and the faint lullaby came down to me 
as if to soothe and comfort my distress. I felt that 
my health was going, my mind growing confused and 
weak, my thoughts wandered vaguely, memory began 
to fail, and idiocy or madness seemed my inevitable 
fate ; but through it all my heart clung to Guy, yearn- 
ing for him with a hunger that would not be appeased. 

At rare intervals I was allowed to walk in the neg- 
lected garden, where no flowers bloomed, no birds 
sang, no companion came to me but surly John, who 
followed with his book or pipe, stopping when I stopped, 
walking when I walked, keeping a vigilant eye upon 
me, yet seldom speaking except to decline answering 
my questions. These walks did me no good, for the 
air was damp and heavy with vapors from the marsh ; 
for the house stood near a half-dried lake, and hills 
shut it in on every side. No fresh winds from upland 
moor or distant ocean ever blew across the narrow val- 
ley ; no human creature visited the place, and nothing 
but a vague hope that my birthday might bring some 
change, some help, sustained me. It did bring help, 
but of such an unexpected sort that its effects remained 
through all my after-life. My birthday came, and with 
it my uncle. I was in my room, walking restlessly, — 
for the habit was a confirmed one now, — when the 
door opened, and Hannah, Dr. Karnac, my uncle, and 
a gentleman whom I knew to be his lawyer, entered, 
md surveyed me as if I were a spectacle. I saw my 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


339 


uncle start and turn pale; I had never seen myself 
since I came, but, if I had not suspected that I was 
a melancholy wreck of my former self, I should have 
known it then, such sudden pain and pity softened his 
ruthless countenance for a single instant. Dr. Karnac’s 
eye had a magnetic power over me ; I had always felt 
it, but in my present feeble state I dreaded, yet sub- 
mitted to it with a helpless fear that should have 
touched his heart, — it was on me then, I could not 
resist it, and paused fixed and fascinated by that repel- 
lent yet potent glance. Hannah pointed to the carpet 
worn to shreds by my weary march, to the walls which 
I had covered with weird, grotesque, or tragic figures 
to while away the heavy hours, lastly to myself, mute, 
motionless, and scared, saying, as if in confirmation of 
some previous assertion, — 

“You see, gentlemen, she is, as I said, quiet, but quite 
hopeless.” 

I thought she was interceding for me ; and, break- 
ing from the bewilderment and fear that held me, I 
stretched my hands to them, crying with an imploring 
cry,— 

“Yes, I am quiet! I am- hopeless! Oh, have pity 
on me before this dreadful life kills me or drives me 
mad!” 

Dr. Karnac came to me at once with a black frown, 
which I alone could see ; I evaded him, and clung to 
Hannah, still crying frantically, — for this seemed my 
last hope, — 

“Uncle, let me go! I will give you all I have, will 
never ask for Guy, will be obedient and meek if I may 
only go to madame and never hear the feet again, or 


340 


A WHISPER IN THE BARK. 


see the sights that terrify me in this dreadful room. 
Take me out ! for God’s sake take me out ! ” 

My uncle did not answer me, but covered up his face 
with a despairing gesture, and hurried from the room ; 
the lawyer followed, muttering pitifully, “ Poor thing ! 
poor thing!” and Dr. Karnac laughed the first laugh 
I had ever heard him utter as he wrenched Hannah 
from my grasp and locked me in alone. My one hope 
died then, and I resolved to kill myself rather than 
endure this life another month ; for now it grew clear 
to me that they believed me mad, and death of the 
body was far more preferable than that of the mind. I 
think I was a little mad just then, but remember well 
the sense of peace that came to me as I tore strips from 
my clothing, braided them into a cord, hid it beneath 
my mattress, and serenely waited for the night. Sit- 
ting in the last twilight I thought to see in this un- 
happy world, I .recollected that I had not heard the 
feet all day, and fell to pondering over the unusual 
omission. But, if the steps had been silent in that 
room, voices had not, for I heard a continuous murmur 
at one time : the tones of one voice were abrupt and 
broken, the other low, yet resonant, and that, I felt 
assured, belonged to my uncle. Who was he speaking 
to ? what were they saying ? should I ever know ? and 
even then, with death before me, the intense desire to 
possess the secret filled me with its old unrest. 

Night came at last ; I heard the clock strike one, and, 
listening to discover if John still lingered up, I heard 
through the deep hush a soft grating in the room 
above, a stealthy sound that would have escaped ears 
less preternaturally alert than mine Like a flash came 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


341 


the thought, “ Some one is filing bars or picking locks : 
will the unknown remember me and let me share her 
flight ? ” The fatal noose hung ready, but I no longer 
cared to use it, for hope had come to nerve me with 
the strength and courage I had lost. Breathlessly I 
listened ; the sound went on, stopped, a dead silence 
reigned; then something brushed against my door, 
and, with a suddenness that made me tingle from head 
to foot like an electric shock, through the keyhole 
came again that whisper, urgent, imploring, and mys- 
terious, — 

“ Find it ! for God’s sake find it before it is too 
late ! ” then fainter, as if breath failed, came the broken 
words, “ The dog — a lock of hair — there is yet time.” 

Eagerness rendered me forgetful of the secrecy I 
should preserve, and I cried aloud, “What shall I find? 
where shall I look?” My voice, sharpened by fear, 
rang shrilly through the house, Hannah’s quick tread 
rushed down the hall, something fell, then loud and 
long rose a cry that made my heart stand still, so help- 
less, so hopeless was its wild lament. I had betrayed 
and I could not save or comfort the kind soul who had 
lost liberty through me. I was frantic to get out, and 
beat upon my door in a paroxysm of impatience, but 
no one came ; and all night long those awful cries 
went on above, cries of mortal anguish, as if soul and 
body were being torn asunder. Till dawn I listened, 
pent in that room which now possessed an added 
terror ; till dawn I called, wept, and prayed, with min- 
gled pity, fear, and penitence, and till dawn the agony 
of that unknown sufferer continued unabated. I heard 
John hurry to and fro, heard Hannah issue orders with 


342 


A WHISPER /A THE DARK. 


an accent of human sympathy in her hard voice ; heard 
Dr. Karnac pass and repass my door, and all the sounds 
of confusion and alarm in that once quiet house. With 
daylight all was still, a stillness more terrible than the 
stir ; for it fell so suddenly, remained so utterly un- 
broken, that there seemed no explanation of it but the 
dread word death. 

At noon Hannah, a shade paler, but grim as ever, 
brought me some food, saying she forgot my breakfast, 
and when I refused to eat, yet asked no questions, she 
bade me go into the garden and not fret myself over 
last night’s flurry. I went, and, passing down the cor- 
ridor, glanced furtively at the door I never saw without 
a thrill ; but I experienced a new sensation then, for 
the hound was gone, the door was open, and, with an 
impulse past control, I crept in and looked about me. 
It was a room like mine, the carpet worn like mine, 
the windows barred like mine ; there the resemblance 
ended, for an empty cradle stood beside the bed, and 
on that bed, below a sweeping cover, stark and still a 
lifeless body lay. I was inured to fear now, and an 
unwholesome craving for new terrors seemed to have 
grown by what it fed on : an irresistible desire led me 
close, nerved me to lift the cover and look below, — a 
single glance, — then, with a cry as panic-stricken as 
that which rent the silence of the night, I fled away, 
for the face I saw was a pale image of my own. Sharp- 
ened by suffering, pallid with death, the features were 
familiar as those I used to see ; the hair, beautiful and 
blonde as mine had been, streamed long over the pulse- 
less breast, and on the hand, still clenched in that last 
struggle, shone the likeness of a ring I wore, a ring 


A WHISPER IN THE DARE. 


343 


bequeathed me by my father. An awesome fancy that 
it was myself assailed me ; I had plotted death, and, 
with the waywardness of a shattered mind, I recalled 
legends of spirits returning to behold the bodies they 
had. left. 

Glad now to seek the garden, I hurried down, but on 
the threshold of the great hall-door was arrested by 
the sharp crack of a pistol ; and, as a little cloud of 
smoke dispersed, I saw John drop the weapon and 
approach the hound, who lay writhing on the bloody 
grass. Moved by compassion for the faithful brute 
whose long vigilance was so cruelly repaid, I went to 
him, and, kneeling there, caressed the great head that 
never yielded to my touch before. John assumed his 
watch at once, and leaning against a tree cleaned the 
pistol, content that I should amuse myself with the 
dying creature, who looked into my face with eyes of 
almost human pathos and reproach. The brass collar 
jeemed to choke him as he gasped for breath, and, lean- 
ing nearer to undo it, I saw, half hidden in his own 
black hair, a golden lock wound tightly round the 
collar, and so near its color as to be unobservable, 
except upon a close inspection. No accident could 
have placed it there ; no head but mine in that house 
wore hair of that sunny hue, — yes, one other, and my 
heart gave a sudden leap as I remembered the shining 
locks just seen on that still bosom. 

“ Find it — the dog — the lock of hair,” rung in my 
ears, and swift as light came the conviction that the 
unknown help was found at last. The little band was 
woven close, I had no knife, delay was fatal, I bent my 
Head as if lamenting over the poor beast and bit tha 


844 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


knot apart, drew out a folded paper, hid it in my hand, 
and rising strolled leisurely hack to my own room, 
saying I did not care to walk till it was warmer. With 
eager eyes I examined my strange treasure-trove ; it 
consisted of two strips of thinnest paper, without 
address or signature, one almost illegible, worn at the 
edges and stained with the green rust of the collar; 
the other fresher, yet more feebly written, both abrupt 
and disjointed, but terribly significant to me. This 
was the first, — 

“ I have never seen you, never heard your name, yet I know 
that you are young, that you are suffering, and I try to help you 
in my poor way. I think you are not crazed yet, as I often am ; 
for your voice is sane, your plaintive singing not like mine, your 
walking only caught from me, I hope. I sing to lull the baby 
whom I never saw ; I walk to lessen the long journey that will 
bring me to the husband I have lost, — stop ! I must not think of 
those things or I shall forget. If you are not already mad, you 
will be ; I suspect you were sent here to be made so ; for the air 
is poison, the solitude is fatal, and Karnac remorseless in his 
mania for prying into the mysteries of human minds. What 
devil sent you I may never know, but I long to warn you. I can 
devise no way but this ; the dog comes into my room sometimes, 
you sometimes pause at my door and talk to him ; you may find 
the paper I shall hide about his collar. Read, destroy, but obey 
it. I implore you to leave this house before it is too late.” 

The other paper was as follows : — 

“ I have watched you, tried to tell you where to look, for you 
have not found my warning yet, though I often tie it there and 
hope. You fear the dog, perhaps, and my plot fails ; yet I know 
by your altered step and voice that you are fast reaching my 
unhappy state ; for I am fitfully mad, and shall be till I die. 
To-day I have seen a familiar face ; it seems to have calmed 
and strengthened me, and, though he would not help you, I shall 
make one desperate attempt. I may not find you, so leave my 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


345 


warning to the hound, yet hope to breathe a word into your sleep- 
less ear that shall send you back into the world the happy thing 
you should be. Child! woman! whatever you are, leave this 
accursed house while you have power to do it.” 

That was all ; I did not destroy the papers, hut I 
obeyed them, and for a week watched and waited till 
the propitious instant came. I saw my uncle, the doc- 
tor, and two others, follow the poor body to its grave 
beside the lake, saw all depart but Dr. Karnac, and felt 
redoubled hatred and contempt for the men who could 
repay my girlish slights with such a horrible revenge. 
On the seventh day, as I went down for my daily walk, 
I saw John and Dr. Karnac so deep in some uncanny 
experiment that I passed out unguarded. Hoping to 
profit by this unexpected chance, I sprang down the 
steps, but the next moment dropped half-stunned upon 
the grass ; for behind me rose a crash, a shriek, a sud- 
den blaze that flashed up and spread, sending a noisome 
vapor rolling out with clouds of smoke and flame. 
Aghast, I was just gathering myself up, when Hannah 
fled out of the house, dragging her husband senseless 
and bleeding, while her own face was ashy with 
affright. She dropped her burden beside me, saying, 
with white lips and a vain look for help where help 
was not, — 

“ Something they were at has burst, killed the doc- 
tor, and fired the house! Watch John till I get help, 
and leave him at your peril ! ” then flinging open the 
gate she sped away. 

“ Now is my time,” I thought, and only waiting till 
she vanished, I boldly followed her example, running 
rapidly along the road in an opposite direction, careless 


346 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


of bonnetless head and trembling limbs, intent only 
upon leaving that prison-house far behind me. For 
several hours I hurried along that solitary road ; the 
spring sun shone, birds sang in the blooming hedges, 
green nooks invited me to pause and rest, but I heeded 
none of them, steadily continuing my flight, till spent 
and footsore I was forced to stop a moment by a way- 
side spring. As I stooped to drink, I saw my face for 
the first time in many months, and started to see how 
like that dead one it had grown, in all but the eternal 
peace which made that beautiful in spite of suffering 
and age. Standing thus and wondering if Guy would 
know me, should we ever meet, the sound of wheels 
disturbed me. Believing them to be coming from the 
place I had left, I ran desperately down the hill, turned 
a sharp corner, and before I could check myself passed 
a carriage slowly ascending. A face sprang to the 
window, a voice cried w Stop ! ” but on I flew, hoping 
the traveller would let me go unpursued. Not so, 
however ; soon I heard fleet steps following, gaining 
rapidly, then a hand seized me, a voice rang in my 
ears, and with a vain struggle I lay panting in my 
captor’s hold, fearing to look up and meet a brutal 
glance. But the hand that had seized me tenderly 
drew me close, the voice that had alarmed cried joy- 
fully,— 

“ Sybil, it is Guy ! lie still, poor child, you are safe at 
last.” 

Then I knew that my surest refuge was gained, and, 
too weak for words, clung to him in an agony of happi- 
ness, which brought to his kind eyes the tears I could 
not shed. 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


347 


The carriage returned ; Guy took me in, and for a 
time cared only to soothe and sustain my worn soul 
and body with the cordial of his presence, as we rolled 
homeward through a blooming world, whose beauty I 
had never truly felt before. When the first tumult 
of emotion had subsided, I told the story of my cap- 
tivity and my escape, ending with a passionate en- 
treaty not to be returned to my uncle’s keeping, for 
henceforth there could be neither affection nor respect 
between us. 

“Fear nothing, Sybil ; madame is waiting for you at 
the Moors, and my father’s unfaithful guardianship has 
ended with his life.” 

Then with averted face and broken voice Guy went 
on to tell his father’s purposes, and what had caused 
this unexpected meeting. The facts were briefly these : 
The knowledge that my father had come between him 
and a princely fortune had always rankled in my 
uncle’s heart, chilling the ambitious hopes he cherished 
even in his boyhood, and making life an eager search 
for pleasure in which to drown his vain regrets. This 
secret was suspected by my father, and the household 
league was formed as some atonement for the innocent 
offence. It seemed to soothe my uncle’s resentful 
nature, and as years went on he lived freely, assured 
that ample means would be his through his son. Luxu- 
rious, self-indulgent, fond of all excitements, and reck- 
less in their pursuit, he took no thought for the morrow 
till a few months before his return. A gay winter in 
Paris reduced him to those straits of which women 
know so little ; creditors were oppressive, summer 
friends failed him, gambling debts harassed him, his 


348 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


son reproached him, and but one resource remained, 
Guy’s speedy marriage with the half-forgotten heiress. 
The boy had been educated to regard this fate as a 
fixed fact, and submitted, believing the time to be far 
distant ; but the sudden summons came, and he re- 
belled against it, preferring liberty to love. My uncle 
pacified the claimants by promises to be fulfilled at my 
expepse, and hurried home to press on the marriage, 
which now seemed imperative. I was taken to my 
future home, approved by my uncle, beloved by my 
cousin, and, but for my own folly, might have been a 
happy wife on that May morning when I listened to 
this unveiling of the past. My mother had been mel- 
ancholy mad since that unhappy rumor of my father’s 
death ; this affliction had been well concealed from me, 
lest the knowledge should prey upon my excitable 
nature and perhaps induce a like misfortune. I be- 
lieved her dead, yet I had seen her, knew where her 
solitary grave was made, and still carried in my bosom 
the warning she had sent me, prompted by the unerr- 
ing instinct of a mother’s heart. In my father’s will a 
clause was added just below the one confirming my 
betrothal, a clause decreeing that, if it should appear 
that I inherited my mother’s malady, the fortune 
should revert to my cousin, with myself a mournful 
legacy, to be cherished by him whether his wife or not. 
This passage, and that relating to my freedom of 
choice, had been omitted in the copy shown me on the 
night when my seeming refusal of Guy had induced 
his father to believe that I loved him, to make a last 
attempt to keep the prize by offering himself, and, 
when that failed, to harbor a design that changed 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK. 


349 


my little comedy into the tragical experience I have 
told. 

Dr. Karnac’s exclamation had caused the recollec- 
tion of that clause respecting my insanity to flash into 
my uncle’s mind, — a mind as quick to conceive as fear- 
less to execute. I unconsciously abetted the strata- 
gem, and Dr. Karnac was an unscrupulous ally, for love 
of gain was as strong as love of science ; both were 
amply gratified, and I, poor victim, was given up to be 
experimented upon, till by subtle means I was driven 
to the insanity which would give my uncle full control 
of my fortune and my fate. How the black plot pros- 
pered has been told ; but retribution speedily overtook 
them both, for Dr. Karnac paid his penalty by the sud- 
den death that left his ashes among the blackened ruins 
of that house of horrors, and my uncle had preceded 
him. For before the change of heirs could be effected 
my mother died, and the hours spent in that unhealth- 
ful spot insinuated the subtle poison of the marsh into 
his blood ; years of pleasure left little vigor to with- 
stand the fever, and a week of suffering ended a life of 
generous impulses perverted, fine endowments wasted, 
and opportunities for ever lost. When death drew 
near, he sent for Guy (who, through the hard discipline 
of poverty and honest labor, was becoming a manlier 
man), confessed all, and implored him to save me 
before it was too late. He did, and when all was told, 
when each saw the other by the light of this strange 
and sad experience, — Guy poor again, I free, the old 
bond still existing, the barrier of misunderstanding 
gone, — it was easy to see our way, easy to submit, to 


850 


A WHISPER IN THE DARK . 


forgive, forget, and begin anew the life these clouds had 
darkened for a time. 

Home received me, kind madame welcomed me, Guy- 
married me, and I was happy ; but over all these years, 
serenely prosperous, still hangs for me the shadow of 
the past, still rises that dead image of my mother, still 
echoes that spectral whisper in the dark. 


THE END. 

















MAR 17 1905 


1 COPY DEL. TO CAT. DIV. 

MAR 17 1905 


MAR 22 1905 








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